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At the Thursday, Jan. 19, Corporate Services Committee Meeting Bruce County Council has tabled the draft 2023-2027 Capital and Operating Budget for review.

The proposed budget illustrates 2023 inflationary pressures, the desire to improve our net financial asset position, and the desire to eliminate the annual infrastructure deficit over 15 years.

With this 2023 budget, Bruce County intends to strengthen the foundation of core services by changing course towards fiscal sustainability, being resilient to change, building reserves, and becoming the employer of choice in Bruce County by attracting and retaining a skilled workforce.

Proposed Capital spending in 2023 will increase from $10.2M to $12.2M. The proposed Operating budget will see an increase from $46.3M to $51.6M. The County is making key investments in Paramedic Services, Long Term Care, Infrastructure, and Housing Facilities.

Bruce County Council will carry budget review, discussion, and direction into February with the potential for budget approval and adoption in February or March. While Council has received a 2023-2027 draft budget package, they will only be approving the 2023 budget. Forecasted numbers can be amended in future budget discussions.

Warden Chris Peabody commented, “Bruce County Council will review this 2023 draft budget over the next few weeks. Infrastructure upgrades and support services continue to be key priorities for Bruce County and are strongly reflected in this draft budget. Council will look for opportunities to continue the County down a fiscally responsible path while also encouraging economic recovery. Thank you to County staff for the hard work and prudent planning that went into building this draft budget.”

Discover more about the 2023-2027 draft corporate budget at www.brucecounty.on.ca/budget. Multi-year budgeting is a best practice for municipalities, and encouraged by the Province, ensuring adequate resources for fulfilling the County’s strategic plans and goals.

For more information on the 2023 Bruce County Budget, please contact Director of Corporate Services Edward Henley at [email protected].

Proposed Key Initiatives for 2023:

• Paramedic Services Vehicles $0.8M
• Paramedic Station (Port Elgin) $10.0M ongoing from 2022
• Long Term Care Operations $1.7M additional funds
• Long Term Care Modernization of Internet and Mobile Charting $0.3M
• Paisley Bridge Replacement $10.0M ongoing from 2022
• Other Bridge and Culvert Repairs/Replacement $1.0M
• Road Repairs and Replacements $4.6M
• Housing Facilities Repairs and Replacements $2.8M

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source: media release, Bruce County