In 2018, Grey County residents will continue to receive high quality services and benefit from investment in valuable infrastructure while seeing only a small 0.36% increase in the County budget.

"Council and staff have worked together to deliver a budget that is responsible and future focused. Grey County provides many important services that residents need and deserve. We believe this budget balances the competing needs of these programs and manages rising costs and inflation," said Grey County Warden Stewart Halliday.

Council, while sitting as committee of the whole, approved the 0.36% budget increase at their regular meeting on January 11, 2018. The decision can be formalized with the passing of the budget by-law at the next Grey County Council meeting on January 25, 2018.

Grey County delivers a wide range of services to residents. The County maintains 877km of roads, operates three long-term care homes with 316 beds, helps more than 800 families access affordable child care and makes housing available for families and individuals at 888 units across the county. Other public services include the administration of social services programs like Ontario Works, paramedic services, planning, economic development, tourism, heritage, Provincial Offences administration and more.

Budget Highlights

- Increased investments in roads and infrastructure

- More support for local economic development including labour force development, attraction and retention and an innovation centre

- Supporting local healthcare initiatives and local post-secondary education

- Improving communications channels to keep the public informed

- New paramedic services base in Chatsworth

- Retaining an integrity commissioner

The draft 2018 budget includes an additional $200,392 to be raised through taxes, an increase of 0.36% from 2017. This increase works out to $4.06 for the average household.

Full draft budget details are available on Grey County's website, www.grey.ca/budget.

source: media release, Grey County