County Council Adopts 2024 Budget
At today’s Council meeting, Wellington County Council adopted its 2024 budget with a 4.6% increase to the County portion of property taxes.
“County Council passed the 2024 budget under challenging circumstances,” said Warden Andy Lennox. “This budget protects core services and makes significant investments in infrastructure, housing, ambulance, long term care, and the Ride Well Rural Transit Service.”
Highlights of the 2024 Budget include:
- $37.4 million for roads, bridges, and culvert improvements – including the construction of the new public works garage in Arthur and funding for the reconstruction of the first of four bridges on Wellington Road 109.
- Facility upgrades at Elora and Rothsay Transfer Stations – providing similar infrastructure, working conditions and patron experience to the other four County waste facilities.
- Capital investment for 24 new emergency shelter beds and 12 transitional housing units at 23 Gordon Street in Guelph. This project is supported by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
- Ambulance service expansion including the addition of nine new paramedics to improve response times.
- Enhanced direct care hours at Wellington Terrace Long Term Care Home – supported by the Government of Ontario.
- Increased service levels for the Ride Well Rural Transit Service to provide additional availability for residents in need.
“The 2024 budget attempts to strike a careful balance between limiting the cost impact to County residents, while continuing to provide the necessary resources to deliver core services and maintain and improve the County’s critical infrastructure,” commented Chris White, Administration, Finance and Human Resources Committee.
The County has a responsible and sustainable financial plan which helps ensure that it maintains its AAA credit rating.