Tax increase passed in Chatham-Kent [Video]

Chatham-Kent approved a 4.99 per cent budget increase on Wednesday following two budget deliberation meetings.

Based on the average household with an assessment value of $176,200, homeowners will pay an additional $176.

Brock McGregor, Ward 6 Coun., and the budget chair in Chatham-Kent, said early estimates pointed to an 8 per cent increase.

“So, we really were looking at focusing on some of the new pressures we’re facing as a municipality,” McGregor told CTV News.

He highlighted the increased financial pressure from social issues such as homelessness and housing.

According to a news release issued by the municipality, about 2.35 per cent of the increase is for spending on social issues.

“Whether that’s in some of the investments in policing or investments in community safety, investments in the transitional cabin program,” McGregor said. “That’s really an area that we’ve seen a lot of increased expense, unfortunately, not an area we’ve …