The 2024 Budget is the Township's plan for the coming period, expressed in dollars. The budget - prepared by staff - is the cumulation of ongoing engagement on priorities throughout the year. It is prepared by taking into consideration both community input and direction from Township of Centre Wellington Council.
Council passed the 2024 Budget, a budget focused on planning for growth, and sustainable future planning.
The Township’s portion of the overall tax increase is 7.38%. The average residential tax bill breakdown will see the Township retain 31%, The County of Wellington will retain approximately 57% (pending County budget approval) and Education with 12%. The tax increase will cost the average home $8.23 a month or $98.70 annually.
2024 Key Investment Areas
- Detailed plans including an Active Transportation and Mobility Master Plan, an Economic Development and Tourism Strategic Plan and a Parks and Recreation Master Plan & Parkland Strategy.
- New Staffing Positions include an additional Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, A Climate Change Coordinator, an Instrumentation and Systems Control Technician, a Customer Service Representative at the Jefferson Elora Community Centre, and a Construction Inspector. New staffing positions are expected to have a minimal impact on the tax increase with much of the funding being derived from assessment growth, user fees, partnerships, and new service revenues
- Asset Management Investments
- Termite Management
- Eighth Line W. – SR 11 to WR 17
- Jefferson Elora Community Centre Asphalt Parking Area Resurfacing, which will include Low Impact Development features
- St. David St. N – St. Andrew St. to Edinburgh Ave
- Gerrie Road Reconstruction
- Urban Forestry
- Increased Gravel Maintenance
Key Aspects of the Proposed 2024 Budget Schedule
Budget Directions Report & Discussion (June 26, 2023)
This meeting allowed for discussion between Council and Township staff regarding the overall direction of the 2024 Budget. Resolutions passed by Council will be used as a basis for initiating the budget creation process.
Public Input through Connect CW (October 10 - November 7, 2023)
Public input took place from October 10, 2023 to November 7, 2023. Public input will be used in developing the draft budget.
Preliminary Capital Budget Review (October 16, 2023)
This meeting provided Council with a preliminary look at the 2024 Draft Capital Budget, and seeked Council’s pre-approval for items in the 2024 Draft Capital Budget earmarked for Fall 2023 tendering. Any direction provided by Council was be used to finalize the Draft Capital Budget and initiate the 10-year capital forecast.
Budget Impacts Report & Discussion (November 14, 2023)
This meeting included a detailed discussion between Council and Township staff regarding key/significant impact areas affecting the 2024 Budget (based on what is known as of late October 2023). Resolutions passed by Council were used in developing and further refining the Draft Budget. In addition, budget delegations were heard at this meeting, allowing members of the public to provide comments on budget development.
Budget Deliberations (December 7 & 8, 2023)
The Draft Budget Book was released on November 24. Budget deliberations are proposed for December 7, 2023, and December 8, 2023 (if needed).
Budget Approval (December 18, 2023)
Budget approval is proposed for the Council meeting on December 18, 2023.
You can view the 2024 Budget Directions Report to Council here.
2024 Budget Public Engagement Survey
Recognizing that public engagement is a key element in the creation of the budget, residents were invited to share their valuable insight with Township staff to help prioritize programs and services for the 2024 Budget.
The 2024 Budget survey was open from October 10 to November 7, 2023. Feedback was shared with Council to help form their decision-making throughout budget deliberations in November and December.
