It's budget time in Amherstburg.
Council will get its first look at the 2020 draft budget Monday night.
"Usually what comes out of that is numbers that scare people."
This from mayor Aldo DiCarlo who says the initial tax hike may seem high, but council will do its best to bring that number down.
There are several major projects to be factored into this year's budget including a new riverfront plaza and marina at the former Duffy's Tavern property and the continued restoration of the Belle Vue House.
DiCarlo says it's all about finding a balance.
"Once you get past the day to day business that has to be done, it usually really gets down to a few big projects or a few big issues. Then council will go through it and try to find that balance of what they think is affordable and reasonable, but will continue to move the town forward."
He says taking Amherstburg to the next level comes at a cost.
"Amherstburg has kind of hit that point now where we're poised for that next step and that will put the budget at a rate that might be a bit of a shock, but not unlike any other budget, I hope residents understand that it's a starting point and by no means is any of it set in stone."
Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo returns to Essex County Council, July 17 2019 (Photo by AM800's Rob Hindi)
DiCarlo says, while residents hate tax increases, they're often unavoidable.
"Their taxes are my taxes and I actually do not want to raise anybody's taxes, but the rate of inflation alone dictates some increases. Over the last few years we've really cut a lot of budgets, found efficiencies everywhere we could. There's not a whole lot to consider except, do you want to spend the money?"
A public input session is scheduled for November 9 with deliberations set to begin November 18.
The 2020 budget is expected to be finalized the first week of December.
Last year, Amherstburg residents saw a 1.82% tax increase.
- with files from AM800's Rob Hindi