Windsor budget targets staff burnout with new hires cuts student jobs

Windsor’s Proposed Budget Includes Staffing Changes

Windsor’s proposed budget includes cuts to student jobs, new hires to ensure timely bill payments, and the elimination of long-vacant positions.

On Wednesday, the city released dozens of budget issue summaries that were previously withheld due to labor relations concerns.

The summaries detail 14 new or permanent jobs and 24 primarily vacant positions that are either eliminated or kept open without funding.

These staffing changes are part of 54 items that city council and select staff will discuss privately during the budget process.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens requested that staff identify which items could be made public after concerns about transparency.

Now, 29 budget issues are available for public review as taxpayers and councillors assess the necessary changes to balance next year’s operating budget.

If the budget is approved without amendments, homeowners will see no change to their property tax bills.

Reduced Student Jobs and Vacant Positions

City staff expect to save $60,884 in 2026 by reducing the number of students hired in certain departments.

These seasonal jobs involve cleaning public art, monuments, and auditing sidewalks for hazards. Other city staff will take over these tasks.

The capital budget for 2026 allocates more funds for road repairs, but the number of staff will decrease.

The budget will cut two road maintenance positions from the current 11.7 full-time equivalents. These positions are vacant and their tasks are already managed by existing employees.

This change will save $203,431 annually.

Changes in Employment and Social Services

The Employment and Social Services (ESS) department will eliminate three vacant jobs and make two training positions permanent.

The three eliminated positions assist with Ontario Works cases and are being cut due to streamlined processes and digital tools.

Two clerk positions have been vacant for years, and the third is an intake role that helps Ontario Works clients navigate systems.

Staff warn that training capacity is stretched, and without these changes, the city risks service errors and non-compliance with Ministry regulations.

New Roles for Daycare Implementation

Two new positions will be created to help the city comply with provincial daycare legislation.

These roles will cost taxpayers $197,605 annually, with potential for increased costs.

Funding for this workload was previously covered by one-time provincial funding, which has now ended.

A new program manager will also be hired to manage municipal elections and explore online voting for the 2030 election.

This position will be funded by reallocating existing election budgets and increased revenue from city weddings.

Addressing Staff Burnout

Two departments will hire new staff to reduce burnout and manage heavy workloads.

Windsor’s growth has increased administrative tasks in the public works department.

City staff recommend hiring two full-time clerks to avoid delays in capital projects.

Overtime costs reached $66,714 in the first half of 2025, leading to delays in payments and billing cycles.

The documents suggest these new positions could be added without increasing costs.

Economic Uncertainty and Job Openings

The building department plans to leave four positions vacant due to expected reduced work from economic uncertainty.

These roles were part of Windsor’s goal to build 13,000 homes by 2031, which has faced construction slowdowns.

Keeping these positions vacant will save $408,253 next year.

A supervisor role overseeing business licenses and dog registration has been vacant since 2022, causing delays in administrative tasks.

Keeping this position vacant will save taxpayers $106,863.