County Of Simcoe Approves 3.5 Per Cent Budget Increase For 2023
INFLATION AND AN INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR SERVICES PARTLY TO BLAME
Courtesy Barrie 360, Published: Feb 1st, 2023
The County of Simcoe has approved a 3.5 per cent budget increase for this year, which will mean another $9.77 cents per $100,000 of property assessment across the region.
The budget focuses on the resources necessary to maintain existing services and address significant growth in communities across the county. It will also allow for investment in services and assets such as infrastructure, paramedic services, affordable housing, long-term care, Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, waste collections, transit, economic development, tourism and enhancements to the road network.
Overall expenditures increased due to inflationary pressures, initiatives to enhance service levels, and increased demand for services, including a 5 per cent increase in Paramedic call volume.
“County Council recognizes that these are tough times for our residents and businesses, and we worked with staff to ensure that this budget focused on key priorities and only necessary projects for our communities,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “This budget addresses continued demands in affordable housing, social services, transportation infrastructure and economic development, while staying well under the rate of inflation. This is our first budget with this new Council, and we’re pleased to move forward and to continue to deliver excellent and efficient services and projects.”
2023 Budget Highlights include:
Total County operating and capital expenditures for 2023: $695 million
- LTC – Homes and Seniors Services $92 million
- Paramedic Services $67 million
- Children Services $105 million
- Social Housing $91 million
- Ontario Works $70 million
- Transportation and Engineering $77 million
- Solid Waste Management $85 million
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