Wellington County Council has adopted their 2017 budget which will increase the county portion of property taxes by 2.9%.
The budget includes increased investment in roads capital infrastructure to address 18 of 32 bridges and culverts that need replacement.
“This budget shows that the county remains focused on core services, including roads, bridges and solid waste,” says Chris White, chair of administration, finance and human resources.
It also includes the third installment of $9.4-million municipal investment in the county's three local hospitals.
The county will invest in the SWIFT program to bring fibre optic technology to the region.
Wellington Terrace will receive funding for more staff to address the rising level of care required.
“This budget focuses on strategic investments in the county’s infrastructure, solid waste services, technology, libraries and social services,” says Warden Dennis Lever. “The county’s forward thinking budget practices and sound financial management ensure long-term sustainability in times of financial constraints, including significant losses in funding from gravel pit assessment changes and reductions to the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund.”