The County of Lambton’s 2017 draft budget amounts to $204.3-million and calls for a 3.25% increase in the amount to be raised through taxation.
The document was presented to Lambton County Council during a meeting in Wyoming Wednesday morning.
New assessment growth of $606,000 brings the net tax increase to 2.39%.
Warden Bill Weber thinks staff have done a good job at maintaining services throughout the county.
"It's a responsible budget," says Weber. "We're putting monies into reserve, we're keeping our debt level reasonable. Debt is not a bad thing if it's used as a tool to make sure our infrastructure stays in shape."
$20-million has been allocated to 59 capital projects this year including rehabilitation of the Bear Creek and Aberarder Creek bridges, as well as building repairs at the Lambton Heritage Museum.
Weber says museum upgrades are long overdue.
"It's a great facility and has good uses throughout the year, so I'm glad to see some improvements and changes there, which will make it more efficient," he says.
Changes to county council chambers to improve accessibility are also planned.
It’s recommended $5.1-million be directed to reserves to help finance big ticket items that may arise in the future or to help pay for unexpected emergencies.
Only one organization is seeking a grant, Sarnia-Lambton Rebound has asked for $164,250 to enhance the existing service delivery of The Hub to support transitional aged youth in Lambton County.
Council will also consider proceeding with incorporating "Canada's Waterscapes Exhibit" for presentation in 2019. The $17,515 cost would be incorporated in the Lambton Heritage Museum's regular budget allocation for 2019.
The 2017 draft budget also shows a reduction of 12 full time equivalent employees in 2016, across all County Departments.
Details are to be provided in the CAO's "Attrition Management Update" March 2.
Budget deliberations begin at 9am that day, and will continue on March 9 if required.