The approved Huron County budget for 2024 is set and it will increase by nearly $2.8 million compared to last year, reaching almost $53 million in total. The new approved budget will see a 4.5% increase to the property tax rate and on average, homeowners will see a $50 increase, while farmland properties will face a $59 bump in their tax bills.
myFM news caught up with Huron County Warden, Glen McNeil who told us how he feels in regards to the 2024 budget.
Health care, housing, and homelessness were significant pressures during budget deliberations, accounting for 74% of the total increase.
Also in the 2024 budget, to address nursing shortages, the budget allocates funds for an extra 30,000 nursing hours compared to 2023.
The 4.5% property tax increase was on par with the increase many other municipalities saw, and Warden McNeil told us how the increase came about.
A major project in the budget is the second phase of the Wingham public works yard, costing $6.36 million, slated for completion in 2025. However, despite being below initial estimates, it aims to enhance operational efficiency and storage capacity.
Warden McNeil mentioned that this isn’t the only project in the works.
Additionally, a community grant of $66,000 is designated for the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre.
Written by: K. Milhomens