Haldimand County Council Approves 2025 Tax-Supported Operating Budget

On February 27, 2025, Haldimand County Council reviewed and approved the 2025 Tax-Supported Operating Budget. The budget results in a total levy requirement of $92.2 million which equates to an annual residential tax impact of 4.46% or approximately $13.82 per month on an average residential home.

The Operating Budget pays for day-to-day operations of the County, including (but not limited to) salaries, wages, utilities, insurance and services like running arenas, pools and the public library, maintaining 600+ acres of parks and cemeteries, and providing emergency services and garbage collection. 

The 2025 budget strives to balance the uncertain economic climate being experienced across the province with the necessary requirements to keep Haldimand on pace with other communities. 

The increase to the budget is due to inflationary/cost of living increases to operating costs along with initiatives that aim to enhance community health & safety, provide new recreation services/programming opportunities, enable upgrades to corporate software/technology, maintain regulatory compliance and ensure the municipality is equipped to meet residents’ evolving needs.

Deputy Mayor Rob Shirton chaired the budget meeting as Mayor Bentley was regrettably unable to attend due to illness. 

Key initiatives

Key initiatives included within the 2025 Tax-Supported Operating are focused around 5 key themes. Highlights include: 

1.  Health and community well-being initiatives

• Investing in additional staff at Grandview Lodge to increase direct care for residents and 
     provide enhanced coverage as required by legislation
• Continuing the vital work of the Community Paramedic Program
• Continuing to support the Physician Recruitment Strategy (now in its second year)  
• Introducing an enhanced forestry program to proactively conduct tree risk assessments and 
    track/plan for tree maintenance needs
  

2.  Recreation and programming enhancements  

• Developing a Community Programming Strategy that supports recommendations outlined in the Council-approved Community Recreation & Facilities Strategy
• Staffing & preparing for the opening of the new Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre
• Allocating additional funding towards the Fields & Parks Management Program to assist community groups in keeping public spaces vibrant
• Eliminating public library fines to reduce economic barriers to literacy
  

3.  Service and program reviews

• Conducting a comprehensive review of the Community Improvement Plan program to ensure offerings – including grants – are meeting the needs of the business community
• Developing an Economic Development & Tourism Strategy to help build economic sustainability, competitiveness, and position Haldimand for long-term success
• Performing an in-depth review of all municipal planning fees to address increased development activity and the growing complexity of review processes

4.  Technology improvements

• Strengthening cybersecurity efforts by implementing new software & security measures
• Continuing to roll out – and maintain – core operating software (Microsoft 365) to enhance 
    collaboration & communication across divisions
• Investing in quality payroll and budget software to streamline processes
  

5.  Continuous improvement and future-readiness

• Investing in human resources needed to address areas of regulatory importance, including procurement, human resources, roads operations and water/wastewater
• Introducing a new business unit with a focus on organizational performance and corporate   continuous improvement
• Adding new personnel in areas like Economic Development, Recreation & Culture, Communications, Planning & Development and Building & Municipal Enforcement Services to address current community needs and ensure Haldimand is well-positioned to deliver services as its population grows 

"The 2025 Operating Budget balances affordability for residents, the demands of a growing community, and the realities of an uncertain economic climate. At the same time, it makes strategic investments that align with our municipality’s priorities, ensuring we can continue delivering high-quality services that residents rely on. Investing in both our people and technology is essential to keeping pace with evolving community needs—allowing us to work smarter, enhance service delivery, and build a resilient, future-ready municipality,” said Haldimand County CAO Cathy Case.

“The 2025 Budget is a testament to Haldimand's Fiscal policy and responsibility to ensure we meet the needs and concerns of all residents of our County. Staff have worked diligently to keep this budget in line with today's economic uncertainty both for this year and many years out. This budget shapes us for our growing needs and wants and doesn't strap future generations. It is a good news story for Staff, Council and the residents,” stated Deputy Mayor Rob Shirton.