Interview with the Mayor - April 28th, 2025

Monday, 28 April 2025 10:44

The Woodstock City Council agenda includes the final tax rate for 2025 and a construction contract for phase two of the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock City Council is about to sign off on the tax rate for 2025.

When you look at the city's budget along with the county and the school board, Mayor Jerry Acchione says it's an increase of 5.83 percent.

"That compares to 6.33 percent, what it was last year of an increase, so it did go down. The average for an assessed home here in the City of Woodstock equates to $269.74."

This is Mayor Acchione's 11th budget with Woodstock City Council and he says this has been one of the toughest ones yet due to inflation.

The City of Woodstock is also getting ready for phase two of the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan.

Mayor Acchione says City Council will decide whether or not to award the construction contract to Armstrong Paving during this week's meeting.

"They are the lowest bidder. They had their references checked and it looks like they can do the job. We had put in planning $2.9 million for the second phase, but it came in at $1.968 million."

He adds phase two will focus on Light Street to Graham Street on the north side of Dundas Street and Light Street to Perry Street on the south side of Dundas Street. If the contract is awarded this week, construction should begin later this summer.

Thursday's City Council meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. and it will be livestreamed on the City of Woodstock YouTube page. You can also find the meeting agenda online here.

During his interview on the Heart FM morning show today, Mayor Acchione also discussed the following:

- The current status of the discussions around the proposed development for 401 Lakeview in Woodstock.

- Woodstock hosting the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors this June.

- Discussions around the hiring process for a new Director of Public Works.

- A motion to add new additions to the list of Community Grant recipients for spring 2025.

- His excitement for the Mayor's Breakfast at South Gate Centre tomorrow.

- With today being the federal election, he's encouraging everyone to vote if they haven't already.

You can listen to the full interview below: