Grey County Council has given first approval of the 2022 budget, featuring a levy increase of 2.88 per cent.
During a Committee of the Whole meeting on Jan. 28, the proposed spending was brought forward. It would cost the average homeowner in the county about $29.30 on annual tax bills.
Included in the report was a $146.6 million operating and capital budget.
Some key budget investments include:
-$16 million for road construction and resurfacing projects
-$1 million towards implementation of the Georgian College nursing program
-$5.5 million for housing capital work
-$623,000 towards the affordable Housing Fund
-Supporting non-profit affordable housing builds
-Five new ambulances
-Additional long-term care staffing focused on direct resident care
-Funding to initiate climate action plans
The county explains some of the factors leading to the increased tax rate comes from the rising prices of fuel, higher insurance premiums and inflationary costs of construction materials and general goods.
“We realize affordability is important to families and businesses. Today council supported a 2022 budget that responsibly balances the necessary investments in our services without adding significant pressure onto our ratepayers,” says Grey County Warden Selwyn Hicks.
About 46 per cent of the proposed levy of $65.4 million is going to be used to support affordable housing, long-term care services, Ontario Works and employment support, children’s services, paramedic services, and additional funds for healthcare and education initiatives.
“With our budget now set we can move forward with the important work ahead of us. This will be a busy year for Grey County, and I know county council and our dedicated staff are up to the task,” says Hicks.
