Council Approves the 2025 Budget

CENTRE WELLINGTON – On Monday, December 16, the Township Council approved the 2025 Budget, which includes a 3.49% increase in the Township portion of the property tax rate. The 2025 budget passage will result in an increase of approximately $50 on the local portion of the tax bill for the average assessed residential property within the Township, or $4.17 per month, to support the continued delivery of essential programs, services, and investment in critical infrastructure for residents.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to both Council and our dedicated staff for their hard work and collaboration in shaping the 2025 budget,” said Mayor Watters.   This is one of the most important tasks we undertake each year, and commitment to making thoughtful, balanced decisions is invaluable. The efforts put forth to ensure that we continue to serve the needs of our residents while planning for a prosperous and sustainable future. I am proud of what we've accomplished together, and I look forward to this budget's positive impact on our community."

The 2025 budget carefully balances fiscal responsibility with strategic investments in essential services and infrastructure. Significant funding has been designated for initiatives such as:

• Increased asset investment as outlined in the Township’s Asset Management Plan
• Termite Management Subsidy Program Implementation
• Fergus Wastewater Treatment Plant (Primary Digester Maintenance and Roof Rehabilitation Design)
• Second Line (WR19 to 500 metres north of WR18) Asphalt Resurfacing
• Hill Street (Herrick to Gartshore) Reconstruction
• Colborne Street (Beatty Line to 120 metres west of Storybrook Subdivision) Reconstruction
• Colborne Street (John to Wilson) Reconstruction
• Downtown Fergus Streetlight Replacement
• Fire Master Plan Update

Quick Facts

• The 2025 Average Residential Tax Bill Breakdown is as follows:
• Education 12%
• Township of Centre Wellington, 31%
• County of Wellington, 57%
• Work on the Township of Centre Wellington's 2025 budget began in June, with staff-level discussions on the capital budget, initiation of vehicle and equipment replacement schedules, and Council approval of the Budget Directions Report and timeline.
• In September, work began on the 2025 staffing strategy and the 2025 Preliminary Draft Capital Budget was also presented to Council.
• In October, the public engagement process was launched on Connect CW and at the Key Township Open House.  Public feedback focused on concerns about tax affordability, calls for tax reductions, and the prioritization of services such as roads and bridges, growth management, parks, sports fields and trails, Fire and Rescue Services, and recreational programs.
• In November, the Township presented the preliminary Draft 10-year Capital forecast to Council and the 2025 Draft Budget Book was published.
• Budget deliberations were held on December 3rd, with the final budget approval occurring on December 16th.

For more information on the 2025 Budget, please visit https://www.connectcw.ca/2025-budget