Haldimand County Council reviewed the 2020 Tax Supported Capital Budget on March 5; it will be ratified on Monday, March 9. The Tax Supported Capital Budget outlines $37.1 million of infrastructure investment in 2020, with a total tax-supported infrastructure investment of $246.4 million over the next 10 years. In total, 334 new tax-supported capital projects have been scheduled for the 2020 calendar year.

The 2020 Capital Budget is heavily focused on infrastructure renewal with notable expenditures in areas such as roadway improvements, bridge and culvert rehabilitation and enhancements to corporate, community and recreation facilities.

2020 Capital Budget Highlights:

● $20.2 million towards roadway and active transportation improvements such as paving, reconstruction, resurfacing, gravel road conversion, pedestrian crosswalk installation, sidewalk/curb replacements and street lighting as well as bridge repairs, bridge rehabilitation and other structure-related projects (such as culvert replacements)

● $9.5 million towards community partnership projects and enhancements to parks, trails, arenas, pools, museums and libraries

● $679,000 towards tree conservation and reforestation initiatives

In recent years the County has deliberately increased its investment in capital to ensure that existing facilities are updated, new facilities desired by the community are added and that a funding plan is in place to minimize tax impacts. Money is set aside every year to ensure that when assets need repairs or replacing, funding is available.

“We’re at a point where, during budget preparations, there aren’t a lot of surprises. Staff have applied strong financial principles and asset management practices that result in a predictable, flexible and sustainable capital program. By planning for the long-term, we’re in an excellent position to address priorities and respond to community needs,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

Similar to past years, the capital levy, funded by property taxes, will increase by about $672,000, or about 1% of the overall municipal levy. The total municipal levy for 2020 will be determined in April once the 2020 Tax Supported Operating Budget is approved by Council.

The 2020 Tax Supported Operating Budget will be presented to Council on the following dates:

• April 22 & 23*, 2020 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the new Haldimand County Administration Building Council Chamber (*if required)

More information on Haldimand County budgets can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/Financials/Budgets/. You can view the full 2020 Tax-Supported Capital Budget document on the Budgets page.