Bruce County has given approval for next year’s budget during its Corporate Services meeting on Thursday.
County staff presented the proposed 2024-2028 budget and forecast.
Ahead of the meeting, staff had put together a list of options for county council to decide on, which ranged from a levy increase ranging between 5.93% and 8.25%, depending on the options chosen.
Outlined in the budget proposal for 2024 includes a carryover of $25.7 million in capital projects from 2022-2023.
It was also pointed out that housing services will be investing in supports for low-income households including rent subsidies, housing stability supports, and homelessness prevention.
Council also deliberated over potential reductions to prevent the levy increase from going too high.
They decided to axe capital considerations including a $150,000 contribution to the Museum Expansion Reserve, a $135,000 payment for a backup shop generator for Paisley, and a $55,000 expense for Brucelea Haven Mobile Charting.
The approved 2024 budget is comprised of $22.5 million in capital expenditures and $140 million in operating expenditures funded by $67 million in property tax levies.
The projected levy increase for 2024 after this week’s meeting sits at 6.16%.
The 2024 Budget will see final by-law adoption later this year.