Bruce County council reviews draft budget

The Bruce County draft budget for 2024-28 capital and operating expenses, was tabled at the Oct. 12 corporate services committee meeting.

The proposed budget illustrates intentions to support assets, including people and capital, to continue to build the financial foundation by building reserves, implementing development charges, and establishing a positive net financial position, and to focus on long-term outlook through strategic and asset management planning.

Proposed capital spending in 2024 will increase to $14-million from $12.1-million. The proposed operating budget will see an increase to $54.3-million from $50.1-million.

The county is making key investments in infrastructure, paramedic services, long-term care and senior services, housing facilities, and community development.

Bruce County council will carry budget review, discussion, and direction into November, with the potential for budget approval and adoption in December. While council has received a 2024-28 draft budget package, it will be approving only the 2024 budget. Forecasted numbers can be amended in future budget discussions.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent budget survey,” said warden Chris Peabody. “Your feedback is extremely valuable to our budget process. Bruce County council will review this 2024 draft budget over the next few weeks, looking for opportunities to continue the county down a fiscally responsible path while considering infrastructure, social support, and community development needs. Thank you to county staff for the hard work and careful planning that went into building this draft budget.”

Discover more about the 2024-28 draft corporate budget at www.brucecounty.on.ca/budget. Multi-year budgeting is a best practice for municipalities, and encouraged by the province, ensuring adequate resources for fulfilling the county’s strategic plans and goals.

For more information on the 2024 Bruce County budget, contact director of corporate services Edward Henley at ehenley@brucecounty.on.ca.

Proposed key initiatives for 2024:
 

• Enterprise Resource Planning Software, $400,000
• GIS Modernization, $200,000
• Planning and Development Staff Resources, $500,000
• Bridge and Culvert Projects, $2.6-million
• Road Projects, $2.5-million
• Transfers to Transportation Infrastructure Reserves, $2.5-million
• Winter Road Maintenance, $3.9-million
• Housing Facilities Repairs and Replacements, $3-million
• Paramedic Services Vehicles, $800,000
• Paramedic Services Port Elgin Station Staffing increase, $500,000