DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard
BROCK: On Monday, January 27th, Brock Township Council convened to review the 2025 Draft Budget, with discussions set to continue through February. Initially guided by public input collected through the "Let's Talk Brock" platform and a Budget Education Survey, the budget outlines significant financial allocations and tax levy requirements for the upcoming year.
According to Trena DeBruijn, Director of Finance and Treasurer for the Township of Brock, the budget prioritizes essential services, infrastructure investment, and financial sustainability. "We understand the financial pressures facing residents, and we have worked diligently to balance the needs of the Township while maintaining fiscal responsibility," said Ms. DeBruijn.
The proposed 2025 budget totals approximately $29.6 million, with $16 million allocated to operating expenses and $13.5 million for capital projects. Notably, a dedicated infrastructure levy of 2 percent, amounting to $214,275, has been introduced to address long-term asset management needs.
"This infrastructure levy is a crucial step in ensuring we can maintain and replace aging assets," Ms. DeBruijn explained. "Our 10-year infrastructure needs exceed $210 million, and we must take proactive steps to close the funding gap."
The budget outlines a 6.30 percent tax levy increase, equating to approximately $103 per year for a typical single-family home. Due to recent budget adjustments, this is a slight reduction from the initially projected 6.43 percent increase.
Operating expenses include an approximately $463,000 increase in salaries and benefits attributed to labour settlements, pay equity adjustments and step grid increases. Other cost drivers include an approximately $131,000 increase in parking lot snow removal and a $45,000 rise in dust layer materials. However, certain expenses, such as fire protective clothing, saw reductions following significant purchases in 2024.
Capital expenditures in 2025 focus on key projects such as $9.2 million earmarked for the Sunderland Arena, $2.96 million for public works initiatives—including $555,000 for fleet replacement—and nearly $800,000 for fire and emergency services.
Ms. DeBruijn emphasized the Township's commitment to transparency and long-term planning. "We have updated our asset management financing strategy, which calls for incremental tax levy increases over the next decade to sustain critical infrastructure," she noted. "While we recognize this presents challenges, we are hopeful additional funding from other levels of government will help mitigate the burden on taxpayers." Public engagement remains a key component of the budget process. A budget open house will be held on Thursday, February 13th, in Council Chambers, allowing residents to provide feedback before the final budget approval on Monday, February 24th.
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