Ratepayers in Essex will see a 3.91 per cent increase on their municipal tax bill after council on Monday approved its 2023 budget in principle.

The tax rate represents an annual increase of $117 for the average household based on the median house value in Essex of $189,000.

The total increase includes county and school board adjustments. The town’s portion of the increase is $81.

The town’s budget includes more than $68 million in revenue, $13 million of that allocated to capital projects and infrastructure upgrades.

Highlights include a new playset at Stanton Park, parking lot reconstruction at the Harrow Arena and road rehabilitation work worth more than $6 million.

“The 2023 budget reflects the approach required to achieve our strategic priorities, while strengthening the town’s financial condition,” said Mayor Sherry Bondy.

“Given the impact of external factors such as high inflation and increased utility costs, the team has made significant efforts to balance additional costs in order to maintain our current level of service that residents have come to expect.”

Formal adoption of the 2023 budget will take place at the March 20 council meeting.

For further information, visit essex.ca/budget

jkotsis@postmedia.com

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