Windsor's proposed tax hike has shrunk again, down to just over 6%

Leadership at Windsor city hall say they've been able to reduce the proposed tax hike to just above six per centfor Windsor's homeowners.

That's down from the most recent figure of 7.37 per cent, and it's alsoit's far less than the original record-breaking projection of 12.9 per cent the city started from.

While that's still higher than last year's increase of 4.6 per cent, the city's CAO,Joe Mancina, says administration isn't done looking at it.

"We've had a $1.5 million additional dollars in revenue coming so all those things will go into looking at refining the number."

Mancina added that while there are several things to consider, other barriers make it difficult to bring this number down.

"We would like to see a property tax increase at a level that is very low, but obviously the continued contractual pressures we have, inflationary pressures and legislative changes continue to put pressure on municipal budgets."

City administration says adjustments to the property tax increase will continue right up until budget day in January.

Meanwhile, the search continues for other sustainable revenue, as the city's finance commissioner,Janice Guthrie, recently undertook a major review of service fees.

"We've looked for revenue opportunities where we can, if we enhance the userfees side of things, then we can definitely lowerover the overall tax burden on our residence and our business community."

"We will continue to look for revenue opportunities, as well as efficiencies and service enhancements," Guthrie added.