Photo by B. Shakyaver
The Municipality of South Huron has officially adopted its 2025 budget, prioritizing the maintenance of current service levels while making strategic investments in capital assets. The budget emphasizes long-term planning through a 10-year capital plan and contributions to the capital replacement reserve, supported by a modest increase in the Asset Management Levy of 0.25%.
A central focus of the 2025 budget is asset management, aimed at addressing the municipality’s infrastructure deficit. This includes meeting annual capital requirements and considering inflation impacts. Contributions to reserves are planned to ensure future infrastructure replacements.
The budget also takes into account several financial pressures. The cost of living, as indicated by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), has impacted the cost of essential services like gravel, vehicles, fuel, and utilities.
Staffing challenges have also been noted, with minimum wage increases and the need to stay competitive in recruitment leading to overall wage and benefits adjustments.
The 2025 budget includes several key initiatives, such as the continuation of the Asset Management program and the completion of updates to the Official Plan and Zoning By-Law. Other important projects include a development charges background study and a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) slated for completion in 2025.
Operating expenses for the year are set at $25 million, covering various municipal services. Funding sources include tax levies (36%), grants (8%), permits and miscellaneous revenues (12%), solid waste user fees (6%), and water/sewer user fees (38%).
The budget outlines significant capital projects, including road resurfacing, bridge and culvert repairs, pedestrian crossovers, urban reconstruction projects, facility upgrades, water and sewer enhancements, and fleet and equipment purchases.
Residents can expect an annual increase in their municipal residential tax rate, reflecting the municipality’s ongoing investment in essential services and infrastructure. The projected tax rate aims to balance current service delivery with future planning needs.
Written by: myFM News