The County of Renfrew’s budget for the year has been approved, but not without some discussion.
Warden Peter Emon says County Council’s two day budget workshop included finding middle ground with County staff, who came in with a plan that might have cut some service funding.
The finalized budget’s 2.5% tax increase means about $20.06 added on the tax bill of a Renfrew County home with the median property value of $203,000.
Emon says it gives them the ability to do things like keep ongoing support for 1,020 rent-geared-to-income housing units and add a new 24/7 ambulance to their fleet.
The budget also allows them to keep $43 million in capital asset renewal funds available, make investments in active transportation via major upgrades to the Algonquin Trail and hardened shoulders on County roads, and continued support for subsidized Child Care and Ontario Works.
Altogether, Emon says the budget represents a “cautious approach” to the fiscal year.
He notes that long term financial planning and affordable housing important aspects to the future of the community, and that the budget was “well thought out” to balance quality of services with the current state of the economy.
(written by Kasey Egan)
