Essex County has publicly released its proposed 2024 spending plan.
The County's draft 2024 budget has been displayed on its official website in a 162-page document.
As in all its municipalities, Essex County is being challenged by higher inflation and a higher cost of living. To maintain current services, the draft budget includes a property tax increase of 6.13 per cent.
"The extreme impacts of inflation and their projected persistence at even a moderate degree have made it challenging for the administration to maintain service levels in 2024 without an increase to the levy," read the draft budget. "Growth in the region is also a significant factor in the year-over-year levy requirement increase. In the absence of development charges, the cost of growth is born primarily on the corporation’s tax rate."
According to the draft budget, if approved as is, it would result in an additional $31.60 per year to the property owner per $100,000 in value assessed, or $79.02 on a home assessed at $250,000.
The County has expenditures in community services, Essex-Windsor EMS, the Essex County Library, the Sun Parlour Home, infrastructure and planning, and other areas.
Those wishing to comment on the draft budget may send a written submission to the County no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 29.
Essex County Council will deliberate on the budget at a special meeting on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 4 p.m. If necessary, deliberations will continue during the regular public meeting on January 17 at 6 p.m.