Welland City Council approved the 2023 municipal budgets on February 7 at their regularly scheduled meeting, bringing forward a budget with a -3.05% tax decrease on the municipal tax levy.
The 2023 operating budgets total just over $107 million. The budgets are comprised of the tax-supported operating budget of $71.4 million, the rate-supported operating budget for water and wastewater of $35.6 million, and the combined capital budgets of $42.8 million.
The 2023 tax-supported operating budget presents a -3.05% tax decrease (municipal portion) after assessment growth of 2.74% and includes over $31.1 million in capital projects this year.
2023 capital project budget highlights:
$3 million for parks
$9.7 million for roads
$2.1 million for sidewalks
$2.6 million for storm sewers
$3.1 million for Fire Station 3
The 2023 water/wastewater budgets allow the city to provide sustainable water services, maintain current water infrastructure, and invest in replacing or building much-needed infrastructure. The proposed 2023 water/wastewater capital budget totals $11.6 million.
Wastewater expenditures make up $5.5 million of the budget, while waterworks expenditures are $6.1 million. Concentration continues on sewer rehabilitation and watermain replacement capital projects.
Water rate customers will experience the following changes in their 2023 water bills:
Low residential water consumers (annual consumption of 100 cubic meters or less per year) will have a $48 annual increase.
Average residential water consumers (annual consumption of less than 180 cubic meters per year) will have a $79 annual increase.
The annual rebate for the Low-Income Senior Water/Wastewater Rebate Program increases from $372 to $420, effective January 1, 2023. The deadline to submit for the 2022 rebate is May 1, 2023.
The eligible amount for the Special Assistance Program – Water/Wastewater increases from $600 to $648, effective January 1, 2023.
