Huron County council received its first presentation on this year's budget, and staff are recommending a 9.65% tax hike.
The draft budget was discussed at Wednesday's meeting, where Treasurer Michael Blumhagen took council through some of the pressures that are driving the 2024 increase.
He said that Public Works, Homes for the Aged, Emergency Services, and Housing were the primary drivers behind the 9.65% 2024 increase.
While provincial funding is provided to offset some of those staffing costs, it is reportedly well short of the increase required.
One example shared was the estimated cost of living adjustment increase for all homes staff is $475,000, however, the estimated provincial per diems to support general programs is only estimated to increase by $28,000.
The report said that the 2021 Fixing Long-Term Care Act has resulted in the county needing to budget an additional $1.25 million to cover the cost of agency staff working in the homes.
Blumhagen also noted that because this is a leap year, there's an extra $77,000 needed to cover 24/7 operations for care homes and EMS on that day.
The proposed increase means a hike of $91.72 for county's median residential property, which is valued at $213,000.
Budget presentations will continue at next council meeting, before a special budget meeting is held on February 14.
The 2024 budget is expected to be passed sometime in March.
