Perth County residents brace for double-digit tax increase

An undated image of downtown Listowel, Ont. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)

For the second year in a row, Perth County residents will see a double-digit tax increase.

Perth County council has approved its 2025 budget, with an 11.34 per cent increase from last year. That will work out to an extra $103.32 on a typical homeowner’s tax bill, say Perth County officials.

It’s less than last year’s tax increase, which was more than 12 per cent.

“There is no doubt that inflation has a significant impact on this budget year,” said Corey Bridges, Perth County’s director of Finance/Treasurer. “It has reached into every aspect of our lives, and municipalities across Ontario are faced with similar pressures. Staff are mindful of these pressures and continue to implement mitigating financial strategies to ensure financial stability.”

Perth County’s budget for 2025 totals $71.7 million dollars, $60.7 million for operations, with another $11 for capital projects.

“Council understands the financial pressures faced by municipal governments. The 2025 budget was carefully reviewed to ensure all opportunities for cost-saving measures were considered while still maintaining current service levels,” said Perth County Warden Doug Kellum. “In light of inflationary pressures, council worked to mitigate this year’s increase by pausing some proposed projects for consideration in future budget years.”