Simcoe County passes budget
by Richard Blanchard

Simcoe County councilors passed the 2007 county budget Tuesday morning. Council approved a 4.75% increase which will bring the county levy to $84 million this year.

The county budget overall is $394 million. It also includes $71 million for capital expenditures which will see major infrastructure improvements. Also included is $150 million for Ontario Works Program; $29 million for paramedic services; $33 million for long term care; $42 for environmental services; $50 million for roads and engineering.

The 4.75% increase will mean an individual with a house assessed at $200,000 will see a approx $25 increase in their taxes.

Adjala-Tosorontio deputy mayor Doug Little, Chair of Corporate Services Committee said the increase was acceptable. "It's nothing excessive, and we have approved it with an emphasis on improvements for infrastructure, especially roads. We are also funding a number of downloaded services from the province."

New Tecumseh deputy mayor Rick Milne also supported the budget. "I think it's a good budget, spending money on infrastructure is needed because it becomes more expensive if we keep putting off projects."