Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN-BIDDULPH – At the last council meeting, Kathryn Langendyk, Director of Finance/Treasurer, and Tracy Loyens, Deputy Treasurer, presented the 2025 operating budget. The municipality’s projected revenue for the year is $7,860,210, coming from various sources, including taxes, grants, user fees, fines, penalties, and fundraising. The largest portion of revenue, 74.23%, will come from residential property taxes, followed by taxes from farms, commercial properties, and industries. To balance the budget, the municipality plans a 4.42% tax rate increase, which will result in an additional $84 for the average homeowner.
The property tax distribution for 2025 is divided into three categories: the municipal tax (52%), the County of Middlesex levy (33%), and the education levy (15%). Although Lucan Biddulph collects taxes for the county and province, it has no control over the rates set by these governing bodies.
The budget allocates significant funds to various services. Public works, which will receive $1,898,314 for road maintenance and infrastructure, will receive the largest share. Parks and recreation will see increased spending, with $1,831,972 designated for activities such as ice rentals, pool operations, and hall rentals. Protective services and council administration are expected to see more modest increases in their budgets.
Garbage and recycling fees are also being adjusted. Garbage bin rates will increase by $5 to $15 depending on the bin size while recycling fees will be eliminated for 2025 due to new producer responsibility regulations. These adjustments are necessary to address rising waste management costs.
Several changes were recommended by the Finance Committee, including reducing contributions to reserves for streetscape improvements and administration, and lowering the Fire Levy by $12,958. Additional cuts include $5,000 in sidewalk and curb cut expenses, along with reductions in donations to local organizations, such as the Lucan & Area Heritage Society. These changes are expected to reduce the tax levy by $223,958. However, a 4.42% tax increase will still be needed to balance the budget.
Public works, funded by water and wastewater users, will also see several capital projects, including watermain replacements and wastewater treatment plant improvements. In December 2024, rate increases for water and wastewater services were approved to fund these projects.
Looking ahead, council will provide direction on the final municipal tax rate increase, with a follow-up report to be presented in January. The final approval of the budget will depend on the County’s confirmed tax rates, which will finalize the overall tax levy for the year.
