Photo by B. Shakyaver
This week at Huron County Council, a presentation was made by Julie Pauli, Director of Corporate Services with Huron-Perth Public Health to present its 2024-2025 budget package to County Council.
The province has said there will be a one percent increase to base funding each year for the next 3 years.
This year is a first in funding due to the fact they have been given their projected budget increases for the next 3 years. Previously, they found out about funding increases year by year.
While they are receiving all the funding they asked for this year, some cuts still needed to be made.
This led to a 10% reduction in staffing due to funding shortfalls, and this spreads across many disciplines including management.
Huron County’s contribution has increased this year, and HPPH is operating with a $273,000 deficit.
Reeve of Howick, Doug Harding chimed into the conversation stating, “in COVID we needed help in Howick communicating with members of the community that don’t have modern technology. The Health unit stepped up to the plate, and the community took the information that they provided.”
He also took the time to thank Huron-Perth Public Health for their efforts.
Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan also spoke up saying they recognized that we can’t continue to pass the shortfalls in funding from the province onto the property tax base.
This will give Council lots to discuss as they look to finalize the 2024 Budget.
Written by: K. Milhomens