The Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit approved its budget for 2024.
In a report prepared by the Director of Corporate Service, David Johnston to Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ethan Toumishey, it outlines impacts to revenues from provincial ministries.
This includes changes to the funding formula (75% provincial, 25% municipal) which returns mitigation funding to mandatory base funding at a reduced rate, restricted one-time funding requests, the removal of COVID-19 funding and an end to school-focused nurse program funding.
In anticipation of a deficit, the health unit says it will be losing six full-time equivalent staff (FTEs). These losses will come through ” expiring employment contracts and the attrition of staff through retirements.”
As the health unit prepares for a potential merger, it is requesting a levy increase of 4.63% from municipalities for the 2024 budget year. A request has also been made to access operational reserves so that service can be maintained for next year.
More on the health unit’s budget can be found at their website.
