Hastings County has just gotten their first look at the 2026 budget.
During Tuesday’s Finance, Property, and Personnel Committee meeting, the budget was laid out before the committee for review. Staff proposed a budget that includes $229,801,765 in total spending, a 3% increase over 2025. To fund that budget, the county levy increase is proposed at 5.37% after accounting for growth.
Just over half of the funding will go to the Community and Human Services Department, which includes funding for Ontario Works, children’s services programs, employment and financial assistance programs, and community housing programs. The remaining funds are split across the other county departments, supporting other county services such as long term care and paramedic services across Belleville, Quinte West, and 14 other member communities.
The budget also includes significant funding on healthcare, with $299,000 for community health partnerships, $347,000 for doctor recruitment, and $1,179,556 as the county’s share of the South East Health Unit levy.
After the report, the committee discussed the proposed budget. Hastings Highlands Mayor Tony Fitzgerald said that the county is in a strong position regarding both debt and reserve funds.
“Long term planning, of course, is a tremendous strength of the county,” said Fitzgerald. “We can’t just look at one budget and say, well, that’s terrible or great. It’s just a snapshot. So keep that long term view, and we’ll hope for the best.”
The committee approved the budget, which was then sent on to a future meeting of council for final approval.
