West Grey budget ready for public

West Grey will look to approve its budget in early April.

The plan is coming in at a 6.64 per cent increase, or roughly $120 per household this year.

It's part of an investment strategy.

“Budget deliberation is one of the most important tasks council faces each year,” said Mayor Christine Robinson in a release. “Now is the time to invest in West Grey and make strategic investments to ensure we are future-ready.”

Highlights include:

• $205,000 to save the McQuarrie bridge on Concession 2
• $500,000 towards bridges for 2020 with more than $275,000 going into reserves should shovel-ready projects receive grant approvals
• $400,000 for a new four-season grader which will play a critical role in the public works department for road construction, maintenance and snow removal
• $100,000 from the economic development budget reserves for the Community Improvement Plan
• West Grey will partner with Grey Highlands to resurface a boundary road, splitting the costs 50/50
• $150,000 to complete the final surfacing for the Bruce and Lambton Streets project in Durham
• $12,000 has been budgeted into sustainability initiatives, including a Climate Action Plan and waste diversion projects
• $560,000 for a new pumper truck for the Neustadt Fire Department and new turnout gear for the West Grey Fire Department
• $75,000 will be put into reserves for a new police station.

Other community improvement projects include work on a portion of the parking lot at the Ayton arena; increased support for youth training in trades through continued partnership with Launch Pad; support for youth engagement initiatives; several upgrades and maintenance projects at West Grey arenas and facilities; and an investment earmarked for the accessible playground project in Ayton.

Officials said the proposed 2020 budget aligns with the three pillars of the West Grey Strategic Vision Plan: work together; build a better future; and promote community.

A public meeting will be held in council chambers on Tuesday, March 17 at 7 p.m. then the budget will go before council for approval on Tuesday, April 7 at 10 a.m.