Hastings Prince Edward Public Health set its 2020 budget on Wednesday and it shows an increase in funding from the area municipalities.
A change in the cost-sharing formula from 75% provincial and 25% municipal to a 70-30 formula resulted in a $1.1 million hike in municipal funding. The province put up some money to help with this last year, but this year it will come from the public health reserves.
The province is providing nearly $847,900 for the New Seniors Dental Program.
There are significant increases in program materials, professional and purchased services and travel costs to implement the new seniors dental program.
Staffing changes resulted in equivalent in a cut in three full-time positions.
The budget report indicates this will help accommodate the cost of negotiated increases, increases in benefit costs, as well as for outstanding pay equity and job evaluation initiatives.
The municipal levy is the same as last year – $3.3 million.
In presenting the budget , Belleville Councillor Bill Sandison noted that the contribution from Belleville and Quinte West is slightly higher, just over two percent.
For Prince Edward County and Hastings County the share is down.
The redistribution is caused by the change in population in each area.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Peter Oglaza tells Quinte News the budget is able to provide sufficient funding to continue with the public health programs for 2020.
The total 2020 budget sits at $17.1 million.
