A wood-carved map of Essex County, which hangs in the chambers at the Essex Civic Centre.A wood-carved map of Essex County, which hangs in the chambers at the Essex Civic Centre.
Windsor

County Council finalizes budget with 3.81 per cent increase

If you live in Essex County, the county's portion of your tax bill is going up 3.81 per cent this year.

Essex County Council has signed off on its budget for 2023 with more money for roads, active transportation projects, funding for Essex-Windsor EMS, and Sun Parlour Home in Leamington.

For every $100,000 of the assessed cost of a property in the county, the increase is another $18.95.

Trimming a 4.76 per cent increase in the proposed budget wasn't easy. The county, and governments across the country, are still dealing with the fallout of the pandemic, significant inflationary pressures, and increased construction costs.

"This budget addresses the ongoing challenges of the pandemic and maintains service levels despite extraordinary inflationary pressures," said Director of Financial Services/Treasurer Sandra Zwiers. "It makes significant infrastructure investments to accommodate anticipated residential and commercial growth while supporting vital social programs."

The document includes funding to update the county's official plan and create its first-ever Strategic plan, which will help newly-elected councillors define their goals and objectives for the upcoming term, and beyond.

For those with loved ones at Sun Parlour Home, councillors signed off on increasing staff hours to meet a target of 3 hours and 42 minutes of daily care for residents. The province has mandated four hours, and a release from the county said it is on its way to meeting the target.

The budget annualizes the cost of hiring 12 new paramedics last year and funding for a new ambulance base in Kingsville. There's also cash to buy the land for an EMS base in LaSalle.

A $69.7-million road construction program for 2023 includes $43.6-million to expand capacity on county roads and $19.7-million to fix roadways and bridges.

Another $3-million will pay to pave the shoulders of more roads as part of the county's larger investment in the County Wide Active Transportation System.

Councillors approved new investments in affordable housing with a continued commitment to the Bridge Youth Resource Centre in Leamington and to fund the Homelessness Hub in Windsor. About $1.85-million will help fix aging affordable housing units across the county.

"This budget provides support to the members of our community who need it most and addresses the ongoing affordable housing crisis with dedicated funding and innovative programs," Warden Hilda MacDonald said. "It addresses the county's current needs while laying the foundation for a significantly improved healthcare system and continued economic growth and diversification."

With shovels expected to break ground on the new acute care hospital in 2026, the budget includes $6.36-million for the project, bringing the county's hospital reserve up to $40-million.

The county also has money to hire a mechanic/operator, a records information management analyst, and a human resources assistant

Read More Local Stories