Haldimand County approves third and final budget for 2021; Tax levy to increase by 1.96%

By Mike Renzella

The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—Haldimand County Council reviewed and approved the 2021 Draft Tax Supported Operating Budget, the third and final budget to be presented for the year. The budget breaks down expenses relating to the operation of various departments within the County, with the Municipal Levy standing at $69,823,910 at the end of 2020. This amounts to a projected monthly increase of $5.35 per household for Haldimand residents.

“Despite some very significant financial challenges that we faced in 2020 and continue this year, largely due to the pandemic but also some unforeseen events, we are pleased to submit a budget that comes in at an increase of 1.96%, which is consistent with the target that Council established,” said County CAO Craig Manley, referring to Council’s target to keep increases below 2%. Some of the major items driving the budget increases in 2021 include staff salaries, increasing by $779,310, an additional $200,000 in winter maintenance costs, a $150,850 increase in insurance, and a $698,000 Capital Levy increase.