Haldimand County Council approved the 2019 Tax Supported Capital Budget on March 5, 2019. The Tax Supported Capital Budget outlines $30.7 million of new infrastructure investment in 2019, with a total tax-supported infrastructure investment of $224 million over the next 10 years. In total, 300 new tax-supported capital projects have been scheduled for the 2019 calendar year.

The 2019 Capital Budget is heavily focused on infrastructure renewal with notable expenditures in areas such as roadway improvements, bridge and culvert rehabilitation, municipal drain maintenance and enhancements to corporate, community and recreation facilities.

2019 Capital Budget Highlights:

– $15.7 million towards roadway and active transportation improvements such as paving,
reconstruction, resurfacing, gravel road conversion, pedestrian crosswalk installation,
sidewalk/curb replacements and street lighting

– $3.4 million towards community partnership projects and enhancements to parks, trails,
arenas, museums and libraries

– $2.9 million towards essential equipment like ambulance & fire apparatus, snow
removal vehicles and fleet-related items

– $2 million towards storm sewer and municipal drain enhancements/maintenance

– $1.7 million towards bridge repairs, bridge rehabilitation and other structure-related projects
(such as culvert replacements)

– $550,000 towards tree conservation and forestry management 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.

“The numbers and projects outlined in the 2019 budget and 2019-2028 capital forecast reinforce Council’s commitment to making prudent infrastructure investments that result in safe, reliable services for residents,” he added.

Similar to past years, the capital levy, funded by property taxes, will increase by about $640,000, or about 1% of the overall municipal levy. As well, Council approved an additional 0.75% to be added to the levy for further acceleration of the Gravel Road Conversion Program. With the addition of this new funding all granular roads within the County will be converted 3 years earlier – by 2025. This additional contribution to reserves will be considered by Council during review of the Tax Supported Operating Budget.

The total municipal levy for 2019 will be determined in April once the 2019 Tax Supported Operating Budget is approved by Council. Council has set the target tax impact, on an average residential property, at 2% as part of the approved budget guidelines for this year.

The 2019 Tax Supported Operating Budget will be presented to Council on the following dates:

• April 2, 3* & 4*, 2019 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Cayuga Administration Building (*if required)

More information on Haldimand County budgets can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/Financials/Budgets/.