​Bruce County budget survey highlights align with strategic plan

Bruce County’s new 2023-26 strategic plan is committed to “implement public consultation for the county budget to increase satisfaction with the local government’s capital and operating plans, including their alignment with community needs and evidence-based decision-making.”

In September, respondents from all municipalities across Bruce County provided valuable feedback about the 2024 budget through an on-line budget survey. The survey was promoted broadly and received excellent local news coverage. In total, 380 respondents completed the survey; of those, 158 also provided open-ended feedback.

The 2024 capital and operating budget was approved by Bruce County council in November.

Respondents of the survey identified strong support for setting aside infrastructure replacement funding. Results also showed an opportunity to improve public understanding of what county taxes pay for.

The top service area priorities for survey respondents were transportation and environmental services, long-term care and senior services, paramedic services, housing, and planning and economic development.

The top themes identified from the open-ended feedback included a desire for investment in infrastructure, roads, bridges, and winter maintenance; a need for affordable housing; a desire for continued pursuit of good governance and sound fiscal responsibility; and continued support for health care, including long-term care, senior services, and paramedic services.

“Thank you, again, to all respondents for participating in our budget survey,” said warden Chris Peabody. “Your feedback provided valuable insight and showed fantastic alignment with our strategic plan core values of excellence, welcoming community, good governance, environmental stewardship, and financial sustainability.

“Bruce County will continue to welcome public feedback annually to inform our budget.”

2023-26 strategic plan core values:
 

• Excellence - Committed to adapting, enhancing, and evolving responsive services for our community.
• Welcoming Community - Cultivate a welcoming community of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Good Governance - Prioritize transparency, accountability, integrity, and respect in all we do.
• Environmental Stewardship - Protect, preserve, and celebrate our natural environment.
• Financial Sustainability - Building financial capacity to sustain our resources.

Explore an Overview of the 2024 Budget Survey. 

Discover more about the 2024 Bruce County Budget.

Discover more about Bruce County’s 2023-26 Strategic Plan.