Simcoe County forecasts $4.2M surplus

By ROBIN MACLENNAN – Orillia Packet & Times – August 20 2012

Monday, August 20, 2012 

The County of Simcoe will have money in the bank at the end of this fiscal year if the spending forecast presented to council this month holds true.

Deputy treasurer Lealand Sibbick made a presentation to councillors at the end of the second quarter, detailing reasons for an expected $4.2-million surplus in the operating budget for 2012.

Savings are spread across several departments, including Ontario Works, where budgeting is based on estimated caseloads of 8,202 this year. Actual caseloads are running below that number, leaving a potential savings of $700,000. Also, delays in hiring new and replacement staff has resulted in savings of $478,000. Those savings will be shared three ways, reducing Barrie’s payment by $379,000 and Orillia’s by $65,000.

Long-term care homes are expected to spend almost $1 million less than the approved budget, mainly due to vacancies within the nursing department, Sibbick said.

Also, staff vacancies in finance, information technology, communications and the CAO’s office leave the administrative area an estimated $700,000 under budget.

Simcoe County Council approved a $400-million budget last December for 2012, adding 1.5% to residential tax bills.

2012 budget highlights:

• Ontario Works — $94 million

• Long-term care — $71 million

• Transportation and engineering — $45 million

• Solid waste management — $47 million

• Social housing — $32 million

• Paramedics — $37 million

• Children and community