Hastings County has approved its budget for 2023.
The budget comes in at $179.8 million.
This sets the county levy at $17.7 million, a 6.25 per cent increase over last year.
It represents a 4.79 per cent tax hike, $27 annually on a home valued at $190,000.
In presenting the budget, Treasurer Tony Bird told council, “We are looking toward recovery from the pandemic…unfortunately some lasting effects on operations, as the one time opportunities dissolve, some of the pressures that have come from it have not.”
Bird added that the Ontario Works case load continues to grow and the social housing list continues to grow.
“Planning applications are increasing and the paramedic services saw another 10 per cent in increased call volume in 2022, and we continue to deal with and address off-load delays.”
Bird noted, “We have two long term care homes that are approximately 20 years old now. We have 1,473 housing units.”
“There’s a potential this coming year of a 32-unit new build in Quinte West for affordable housing and we have a fleet of ambulances that need to be outfitted with defibrillators, power stretchers and equipment and we’re in the midst of constructing a new base in Stirling.”
He added that they are facing ongoing challenges to retain and obtain staff. The service continues “to roll out the goal of four hours staffing for long term care. The Emergency Services department is moving forward with another priority, from 12 hours (service) to 24 hours, seven days a week.”
He pointed to Prince Edward County.
“Prince Edward County is moving forward with the enhancements of their second ambulance that’s going to move from 12 hours, seven days a week, to 24 hours, seven days a week.”
Bird pointed to other projects going ahead, construction of a new ambulance base in Stirling and possibly 32 units of new affordable housing in Quinte West.
To see the full budget report click HERE.
