Hastings County is aiming at an early budget decision for 2020, taking in to consideration possible provincial cuts.
CAO Jim Pine reported to county council on Thursday that work will begin early with the idea of setting the 2020 budget in late January or early February.
Pine tells Quinte News staff are keeping in mind the proposed cuts put forward by the provincial government early this year.
These involved possible cuts to services that are delivered by the county to Belleville and Quinte West as well, such as child care and emergency services.
Pine says this could be child care changes over three years, and involve about $200,000 of Ontario Works administration costs, as well.
Pine explains, “That work is underway now, based on what we think may be the situation. Case loads are changing as they always do so we need to respond for that…we’ll get a better idea in January, for sure, what the picture looks like and hopefully be ready to respond to it.”
