Simcoe County taxpayers will be paying 3.4 per cent more in 2009 for an array of county services, including waste management, long-term care, social and emergency services.

Totalling $437 million, the budget will increase the taxes of a $200,000 home by $19.59; the increase is down from a proposed 4.75 per cent hike.

“This year with the cost of living, we have a liveable budget that will not jeopardize any of our programs,” said Oro-Medonte Deputy Mayor Ralph Hough, who continually reminds his council colleagues of the stresses facing those on fixed and lower incomes.  

Owners of that $200,000 home will pay $595.98 to the county next year.

The budget maintains the county’s social services programs, as well as paramedic services and four long-term care homes.

Last year, the county increased taxes 4.75. However, county councillors concerned about the economic downturn were determined to trim spending and keep the tax increase in lie with inflation.

“It is recognized that we are experiencing difficult economic times and council has worked very hard to develop a fiscally responsible budget that will ensure taxpayers continue to benefit from excellent services with minimal financial impact,” said county CAO Mark Aitken.

“Once again, the county budget has been approved prior to the new fiscal year giving strong direction to staff and putting the county in an enviable position with respect to tendering processes for capital projects,” he said.

The financial plan calls for $76 million in capital spending, including $13.1 million for roads, intersection and bridge improvements, as well as $2.9 million for fleet and road maintenance facilities and equipment.

A major priority continues to be the redevelopment of Georgian Manor, one of the four county-run long-term care homes. Located in Penetanguishene, Georgian Manor will be rebuilt in a campus-style setting, rather than the traditional nursing home model. Costing almost $58 million, the project is expected to take eight years to complete, although in 2009, the county will spend $27 million on the project.

Also on the agenda is a 10,000-square-foot expansion to the county archives, a $200,000 project that includes specialized environmental systems, as well as $5 million for the Miller Park housing project in Bradford West Gwillimbury, and $5 million for the county’s organics program.

Hough also advocated the county support Georgian College and Lakehead University, with grants totalling $900,000, for capital projects.

“This is something we cannot afford not to support,” he said.

Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Doug White agreed.

“When times are tough, the easy thing to do is chop funding for things that will garner benefit down the road,” White said. “We must continue to invest in infrastructure and in health care and education. It’s not our purview to fund health care or academic institutions, but we have funded the hospital alliance with $3 million per year.

“Investing (in post-secondary education) is an investment in Simcoe County. If you grow up in Simcoe County and are educated here, you will find a job here. We will need qualified staff; these highly-skilled people will find employment in Simcoe County.”