The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville will not be increasing the tax-rate.
During their last meeting council voted to keep the tax rate at the same place it had been during 2017 while passing this year’s budget. The United Counties says they expect to collect just under $40 million dollars from property taxpayers this year. The approved budget has expenditures of $100 million with capital expenditures accounting for $13.5 million.
Counties Warden Robin Jones says the budget allows for the hiring of four full-time paramedics. This increases the number of staffed ambulances on call at night to six. According to the Counties the Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service will also implement the Advanced Care Paramedic program, which will aim to train and certify five paramedics by September.
Jones says the Capital Program includes funds that will allow the Public Works Department to fix four bridges and around 35 kilometers of road, including the culverts, guiderails, shoulders and paving where applicable.
According to the Counties the average tax increase is $15.00 but the impact varies for each taxpayer depending on the phase-in of the assessments over a four-year period. For more information contact Treasurer Pat Huffman at 613-342-3840 extension 2468.