Northumberland County Council has approved its first-ever multi-year budget.
The budget, spanning 2024-2026, aligns with the county’s newly established 2023-27 Community Strategic Plan and prioritizes investments in services, housing and growth-enabling infrastructure.
New Warden Brian Ostrander says the multi-year budget will enable the county to align short-term decisions with long-term strategies ensuring stronger financial management.
The three-year budget was passed with total levy increases of 6.57% in 2024, 8.64%in 2025 and 8.86% in 2026.
In 2024, the owner of a median-assessed home in Northumberland County can anticipate paying an extra $91.45 on the county portion of their property taxes for a total of $1,463,28.
There will be annual reviews of the budget to make changes as necessary, such as responding to new policy and regulations, revised council direction, or new funding opportunities.
Budget Highlights:
· Sustained funding for homelessness supports and emergency shelter services based on 2023’s significant increase in investments. In addition, in response to community need and resident feedback, a new investment in the amount $241,000 has been identified to support a six-month pilot addiction treatment program.
· Addition of a 12-hour paramedic crew and ambulance in response to escalating demand for paramedic emergency response services, along with development of a new Brighton Emergency Services Base in partnership with the municipality.
· Continued efforts to integrate the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Childcare Program for subsidized child care into the local system, and to expand availability of child care spaces.
· Extension of the pilot Commuter Connect regional transit program, with a mid-year review planned for 2024.
· Advancement of the public-private partnership to deliver high-speed internet to all communities and businesses in Northumberland.
· Continuation of major infrastructure projects including the Golden Plough Lodge, the Northumberland County Archives and Museum, the Elgin Park, Cobourg affordable housing redevelopment, the start of construction on the Ontario Street, Cobourg affordable housing development, and investments in property acquisition for new builds, along with housing reserves.
· With a dedicated Environmental Officer now in place, the county will work with stakeholders throughout 2024 to finalize a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, and begin work on a Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan.
· Completion of 134km of road resurfacing and paving throughout the county, along with advancement of several major bridge projects including the new Trent River Crossing in Campbellford.
