The budget brings a 3.8% increase to the County’s portion of property taxes.
Warden Andy Lennox says that the 2023 budget was passed under extraordinarily challenging circumstances.
He adds tha the budget aims at striking a balance between limiting the cost impact to residents during a period of 40-year inflationary highs, while continuing to provide the necessary resources to deliver services & maintain infrastructure for their residents.
Highlights of the 2023 Budget include:
- Significant investment in roads capital infrastructure & public works facilities over the next ten years, including $35.1 million in facility upgrades in Erin, Brucedale, Harriston and Aberfoyle public works facilities and $274.9 million for roads, bridges and culvert works throughout the forecast.
- Design and construction of the new Erin Library Branch
- Increased capital investment in social & affordable housing supported by a grant from senior levels of government
- Land Ambulance service expansion includes the addition of two supervisors at the Erin Station and the addition of four paramedics to improve service times across the County
- A significant reduction in child care fees for families supported through the Federal Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care Funding Agreement
- Waste Management enhancements including improvements to the Elora and Rothsay Transfer Stations
- Implementation of the Wellington Place Master Plan to improve visitor experience at the site