The South Huron 2023 budget has been approved.
Mayor George Finch tells myFM having the budget approved so early allows the Municipality to get request for proposals out sooner.
Council has also allocated about $330,000 from the fire replacement reserve fund for a new Fire Engine.
With the rise of inflation as well, Finch says staff has been monitoring spending and prices to better maintain the budget.
There are a few smaller increases. Less than a percent is going to Ward 2, with 2.21% being added to Wards 1 and 3.
Finch adds that Municipalities are also under regulations.
The past term, Finch says the Municipality has been fiscally responsible. He says they focus on the ‘needs’ of the Municipality and not the ‘wants’.
Going forward, Mayor Finch is excited to be pretty much done with covid and get a move on from it.
One of the biggest pressures on the 2023 budget is the increase to the cost of living. According to the report, its increased by 6.9% with the biggest increases in gravel prices, vehicle costs, fuel costs, utility costs, construction costs, etc. Along with Supply Chain issues.
Operating highlights and key initiatives include commitment to the Asset Management program, User Fee & Revenue Generation Study, the Active Transportation Grant and Continued use of Modernization Funds to offset software enhancement costs.
2023 capital project highlights include 6.9km of Road Resurfacing on McTaggart Line and Gore Road. Bridge and Culvert repairs and upgrades to several structures. Urban Reconstruction project on William Street that will include roads, curbs, sidewalks, sanitary sewers and watermains. Along with water and sewer replacements and planning.
