The Paris Independent
7
January 13, 2024
COMMUNITY NEWS Big projects on the horizon in 2024 but fiscal restraints will present new challenges Ahead of important budget discussions, The Paris Independent talked to all four Paris councillors to see what’s in store for the community, and its residents, in the year ahead. By Casandra Turnbull The new year is just underway, but all signs are already pointing to a tough road ahead in 2024. Taxpayers will see a property tax hike as council attempts to balance years of downloaded development, financial fallout from Bill 23 More Homes Built Faster Act, inflation and aging infrastructure. A staff presentation to council during a special meeting on December 21, outlined the first draft of the Long-Term Financial Plan, and it painted a clear picture of the financial strain following years of rapid development. How that translates to taxpayers will be determined in the next couple of weeks as councillors and the mayor begin rigorous budget discussions in conjunction with financializing the Long-Term Financial Plan. Ahead of these important discussions, The Paris Independent talked to all four Paris councillors to see what’s in store for the community, and its residents, in the year ahead. As
they reviewed 2023 and looked to step in taking what is in our OP 2024, one common theme and turning it into more attainable emerged: The province’s Bill 23 housing in our community,” said profoundly impacted the county’s Oakley. Official Plan. Municipalities across the province must now find At the end of 2023 he brought creative solutions to balance the forward a motion on Multiplex growth while still providing vital Housing, which after discussion tax-based services. Surrounding with staff it morphed into this communities are facing potential zoning by-law amendment. tax hikes between 10-15% and the “This will allow for more unit county is no different with a types and options to be available projected increase of around 10% , within our town, as infill although not yet approved. development, and not as sprawl.” Below, all four Paris Councillors share their thoughts as we dive Q: What special project would into a new year. you like to see approved and implemented in 2024? LUKAS OAKLEY, WARD 2 A: “Voting transparency and PARIS organic waste collection.” Q: In 2023 council submitted the Oakley hopes to accomplish voter Official Plan, one of the biggest transparency in the earlier part of accomplishments of the year. the year as part of the yearly What will be council’s biggest budget discussion. “Due to focus this year and how will it concerns over staffing restraints, affect residents of Paris? my motion from March of last A: “Our biggest focus this year year to have all votes be recorded will be completing our Master for the public record was deferred Zoning By-law Amendment when to this year’s budget process.
the Official Plan is approved by the province. This will be the next
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