County council approves $530-M budget

County of Simcoe Council approved a $530-million budget for 2020, which focuses on the resources necessary to maintain existing services and service levels in the region, while continuing to invest in County services and assets such as infrastructure, Transit, Paramedic Services, Roads and Engineering, Long Term Care, Children Services and Social Housing.
Economic development and job creation continue to be significant priorities for the County. In January 2020, the County will officially increase its ownership shares in the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport from 20 per cent to 90 per cent, and act on the long-term strategic plan to grow and expand the airport as a critical economic development asset for the entire region.
“The county is committed to a fiscally responsible approach to municipal services that helps enhance our vibrant communities and support our local residents and businesses,” said Warden George Cornell. “Our 2020 budget is built to maintain valuable health, community and social services, while making critical investments in infrastructure, capital projects and partner initiatives that address demands and growth in our region in 2020 and for years to come.”
Residents will see an overall two per cent increase on the County portion of their municipal property taxes in 2020,an impact of approximately $5.58 per $100,000 of property assessment across the region.
The County maintains a strong financial position having received, for the fifth year in a row, an AA long-term issuer credit rating from S&P Global Ratings, a provider of high-quality market intelligence in the form of credit ratings and research. The 2020 budget ensures the County continues along this path of long-term fiscal stability, and contains items that address areas of growth, as well as initiatives directed by Council to enhance and maintain service levels for the region, support infrastructure, increase efficiencies, and prepare for the future of our region.

2020 Budget Highlights:

Total County expenditure for 2020: $530 million
• Long Term Care and Seniors Services: $71 million
• Paramedic Services: $58 million
• Social Housing: $59 million
• Ontario Works: $71 million
• Transportation and Engineering: $77 million
• Solid Waste Management: $49 million
• Children and Community Services: $60 million