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County of Simcoe OKs $572M budget that won't hike taxes

To maintain a 0 percent increase on county portion of municipal property taxes for 2021, the County will be utilizing some reserves, officials say
Screenshot 2020-11-24 at 10.59.33 AM
Graphic provided by Simcoe County.

NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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On Nov. 24, 2020, the County of Simcoe Council approved a $572 million budget for 2021, which focuses on the resources necessary to maintain existing services and address the ongoing needs of the COVID-19 pandemic on our communities.

The budget also includes strategic allocations that enables the County to continue to invest in services and assets such as infrastructure, Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, Transit, Paramedic Services, Roads and Engineering, Long-term Care, Children’s Services and Social Housing.

At the direction and approval of the County Council, residents will see a 0 percent increase on the County portion of their municipal property taxes in 2021.

The expenses increased due to COVID-19 pressures and areas of growth and initiatives directed by Council to enhance service levels, increase efficiencies, and plan for future growth. To maintain a 0 percent increase on municipal property taxes for 2021, the County will be utilizing some reserves.

“2020 has been a challenging year for our residents, while most health experts believe that the impacts from the pandemic will continue throughout 2021,” said Warden George Cornell. “County Council is committed to supporting residents by maintaining a 0 percent increase on our County taxes.

"We also recognize that many County services are essential services, and the demands for our programs have increased during the pandemic. We commend our staff for identifying innovative and responsible ways to address growth and urgent COVID-19 needs while ensuring that residents don’t face any additional tax increases from the County level," sid Cornell.

The County maintains a strong financial position having received, for the seventh year in a row, an AA long-term issuer credit rating from S&P Global Ratings, a provider of high-quality market intelligence in the form of credit ratings and research.

The 2021 budget ensures the County continues along this path of long-term fiscal stability and contains items that address areas of growth, as well as initiatives directed by Council to enhance and maintain service levels for the region, support infrastructure, increase efficiencies, and prepare for the future of our region.

2021 Budget Highlights include:                                                                                        

  • Total County Expenditures for 2021: $572 million:
  • LTC - Homes and Seniors Services $78 million
  • Paramedic Services $56 million
  • Children Services $49 million
  • Social Housing $69 million
  • Ontario Works $79 million
  • Transportation and Engineering $48 million
  • Solid Waste Management $94 million