Prince Edward County begins budget discussions Tuesday

Council and staff in Prince Edward County are looking at a very slight decrease in tax bills heading into 2020 budget discussions.

Talks will begin on Tuesday night at Shire Hall to set capital and operating budgets.

Heading into the meetings, which are scheduled through the rest of the week, the capital budget sits at $12.1 million and the operating budget is $56.9 million.

This would see a 0.64% decrease on residential property tax bills.

The water operating budget is $4.2 million and the wastewater operating budget is $4.5 million.

The proposed 2020 budget keeps County services operating at the current level.

Roads – Ensuring motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bike traffic keep moving on 2,112 lane kilometres of road and approximately 55 kilometres of sidewalks

Fire and Emergency Response – Responded to 575 calls in 2019 including 38 fires, 175 medical assists, 45 vehicle accidents, and 150 false alarms. Completed 283 fire inspections in 2019 and oversaw the annual certification of 23 vulnerable occupancies

Parks, fields and trails – Maintaining 21 playgrounds, 8 ball fields, 3 soccer fields, 5 multi-sport courts, 48 kilometres of trails, and 13 gazebos and shelters

Community centres – Operates and maintains two arenas and other assets, which supported 119 events, 31 of which are annual events significant to the community

Following the first budget meeting on Tuesday, January 28, council is scheduled to continue its deliberations from January 29-31. The meetings will begin at 9 a.m. each day. Visit the County website for the most up-to-date schedule.