group pushing for deeper review of budget

Leah Gerber Observer Staff

WELLESLEY TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS CONTINUE

TO push back against the 14 per cent tax increase approved last month by council.

Last week, Kelly Rakowski, a member of the Wellesley Township Concerned Citizens Facebook group, addressed councillors on behalf of many residents who say township staff and council have not been transparent about the increase in cost of the new recreation centre and the resulting increase to their taxes.

Before the council meeting, more than 50 people protested in front of council chambers to demonstrate their frustration before heading inside for the proceedings.

In June 2021, township staff originally released a ‘frequently asked questions’ document stating that the recreation complex project would cost $22 million, the township would take on a debenture of $3 million at a 2.75 interest rate, and residents’ taxes would increase by 4.3 per cent, or approximately $47 per year for a property with a value of $389,393, the current average property assessment in the township. Mayor Joe Nowak shared this information on the Facebook group, “What’s Up St. Clements.”

Now, the project is projected to cost $27.2 million, the debenture is $8 million at a 3.4 per cent interest rate, and taxes have increased by 7.7 per cent to cover the debenture and staffing. This translates to $112.80 for a property of average assessment.

Rakowski argues citizens were not adequately consulted about the increases in cost and taxes.

“The lack of transparency was very clear when the 7.7 per cent increase in our taxes could be found nowhere in council minutes, agendas or any recording. That is non-existent. So that is part of the lack of transparency,” she

→ WELLESLEY 4 response in November after I asked in capital letters, ‘Are you listening?’” The response was from the stakeholder relations staff member and did not answer his questions, Lackey said. “I’ve asked about research that led him to vote for bill 23. I’ve asked him to help me understand how it will provide affordable housing.” He also asked whether the Ontario Building Code will be changed to ensure affordable housing is built.

“There were no specific answers to any of my questions,” he said. “It feels like my emails are going into a black hole.”

Other protestors present mentioned a letter they had sent at the end of December signed by 45