New year, new tax rate.

By Kaitlynn Kenney

Windsor City Council has finalized the 2017 budget. The draft document contains plans including a 1.73 per cent tax increase for the new year to cover the $390-million in property taxes to help maintain services provided by the City of Windsor.

According to AM800, for every homeowner with a house worth $150, 000, the property tax will be around $48, more than last year.

Chief Executive Officer Kirk Whittal of the Communicating Housing Corporation said the amount they have been allotted is only enough for roof and fire safety to remain intact, and that the tax increase is much needed.

Some homeowners say they have grown accustomed to costs rising, much like Windsor homeowner Bobby Walschots.

“You get so used to everything going up that you just adjust to it,” said Walschots. She also said she is used to the percentage always fluctuating, but she thinks it is unnecessary.

“We have been doing good without a tax increase. It is going to affect everyone in the long run,” she said.

There are others who disagree and believe rising taxes are important for everyday life.

Noah Mosco, an 18-year-old graphic design student attending St.Clair College, thinks taxes are important and should be a part of daily life.

“Nobody likes to pay taxes and give up some of their hard earned money, but in the grand scheme of things higher taxes means more for the greater good,” said Mosco.

“Whether the money is going to health care, unemployment, the fight against climate change or infrastructure, without higher taxes we would not be able to have these programs in place.”

He also said he is willing to pay more to get more and furthermore most adult homeowners have careers and can see the value in having higher taxes.

“If I had any advice to students struggling with taxes it would be that in the long run, taxes help everybody, If it seems like the taxes are too high think about how good we have it. Think about ways to increase your wage or decrease your spending,”