The County of Brant has presented its proposed 2025 budget, which outlines a 6.2% property tax increase designed to support growth, enhance infrastructure, and improve community services.
For the average residential homeowner, this adjustment translates to an additional $237.59 per year, based on a median home valued at $387,000.
This budget aligns closely with the County’s Strategic Plan, emphasizing objectives such as economic and financial resilience, focused growth and infrastructure, healthy and engaged communities, responsive governance, and environmental sustainability. The Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP), set to be delivered following external agency presentations on January 22, 2025, will build upon this draft budget, providing a 10-year outlook on funding commitments, revenue, and expenditure forecasts.
A significant portion of the proposed budget is directed toward the County’s Asset Management Plan (AMP), with $23.6 million allocated to capital projects. These projects prioritize infrastructure upgrades, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, and stormwater management. By focusing on existing assets over new acquisitions, the County aims to address critical infrastructure needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Growth and development are also key themes of the proposed budget. Investments in the St. George Water Pollution Control Plant and the Grand River Street North Reconstruction Project reflect efforts to align development with infrastructure capacity and meet provincial objectives for housing expansion. Additionally, funding is allocated to planning initiatives such as the Cainsville Secondary Plan and infrastructure improvements in Southwest Paris, supporting new business investments and economic growth.
The draft budget places strong emphasis on improving the quality of life for residents. Parks, trails, recreational amenities, and community programs are set to receive funding to encourage community engagement and active living. Resources are also allocated to public safety, with continued investments in fire services, paramedics, and emergency response equipment.
Public consultations conducted in late 2024 revealed significant resident concerns about the rising cost of municipal services and tax increases. The proposed budget reflects these concerns, balancing financial restraint with necessary investments in essential services and infrastructure. Of the approximately 300 comments received, many requested enhancements to public transportation, traffic safety, and the Paris downtown bypass, while others prioritized maintaining existing services over new projects.
Environmental sustainability remains a priority for the County, with revenues from past investments in renewable energy being reinvested into parks, recreational facilities, and fire services. These initiatives are designed to advance the County’s climate action objectives and reduce its environmental footprint.
To maintain responsive governance, the 2025 budget includes strategic investments in staffing and resources to meet the demands of a growing population. Decision packages addressing service enhancements and climate action initiatives are also under review, with their approval potentially resulting in further adjustments to the tax levy.
The budget process continues with departmental presentations, external agency input, and budget deliberations scheduled for February. The final budget approval meeting is set for February 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to review the draft budget and provide feedback to ensure their priorities are reflected in the County’s financial plan for the coming year.
The proposed 2025 budget represents the County of Brant’s commitment to fostering a thriving and sustainable community, balancing the needs of current and future residents while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
