Hastings County’s Community and Human Services committee has reviewed their department’s draft 2026 budget.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the committee received a report on the draft budget, outlining the spending for the upcoming year.
The 2026 budget for the department is $120,008,526, which is a 2.16% increase over the 2025 budget. That spending covers housing, childcare, and other social assistance programs throughout Hastings County. The department receives $95,327,034 in revenue from various sources including provincial and federal funding, leaving $24,681,492 to be paid by the county.
Warden Tony Fitzgerald of Hastings Highlands supported the presented budget, but also said that they need to pressure the province for additional funds.
“This is a formidable portfolio, as we all know, with tremendous challenges,” said Warden Fitzgerald. “We’ve been tasked to deliver these services with, effectively, one hand tied behind our back when it’s not adequately funded by the province.”
The committee approved the budget as presented, and forwarded it on to a future meeting of council for final approval.
