Simcoe County Council Approves 2013 County of Simcoe Budget

Simcoe County news release November 27, 2012

Simcoe County Council today approved a $415-million budget for 2013, which responds to the growing demand for regional human services, makes investments in capital infrastructure, and addresses challenges from continued growth and an economy still in recovery.

“County Council understands the importance of remaining fiscally responsible while continuing to meet the varied needs of our residents,” said Warden Cal Patterson. “This includes continued investment in social assistance programs, long term care, and infrastructure improvements.”

Residents will see an overall 0.61-per-cent increase on the County portion of their municipal property taxes in 2013, an impact of approximately $1.91 on a property assessed at $100,000. The County general tax levy will now include $19.5 million for waste collection costs, which were previously collected separately from residents through a separate Waste Levy. The Waste Levy will no longer be assessed.

Significant cost reductions resulting in the County’s standardization of curbside waste services and the letting of a County-wide collection contract will not only provide better services but has had a very favourable impact on the overall County general tax levy.

“County Council ensured the interests of our residents were at the forefront of every decision,” said Warden Patterson. “Because of this, we were able to produce a prudent budget that reflects the needs of a growing region.”

2013 Budget Highlights include:

Total County Expenditures for 2013: $415 million:

-Ontario Works $85 million

-Long Term Care $63 million

-Transportation and Engineering $54 million

-Solid Waste Management $57 million

-Solid Waste Operations – $31 million

-Solid Waste Curbside Programs – $26 million

-Social Housing $35 million

-Paramedic Services $41 million

-Children and Community Services $29 million

Attached to this news release is the 2013 County of Simcoe Budget Overview. 

The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to 

County residents in addition to providing