SDG sets 2020 budget with focus on helping seniors

The Counties, Ontario – The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry has approved its 2020 budget, investing some $6.5 million for capital improvements at a pair of non-profit long-term care facilities in the region.

County Council, at its Feb. 18 meeting, approved the budget which calls for $6.5 million in added spending for both Maxville Manor (Maxville) and Dundas Manor (Winchester). Both facilities are set to begin massive redevelopment projects in the next few years.

“This is a responsible budget that speaks to our commitment to our seniors while also providing value to ratepayers in SDG,” said Warden Frank Prevost. “County Council is focused on making sound fiscal decisions that lay a solid foundation for economic growth.”

The residential tax rate in SDG has seen a modest increase of 0.62 per cent, which translates into a $34.35 annual increase on an average County residential tax bill. Assessment rates, which are set by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), have increased in the United Counties, going to $220,459 for an average dwelling in 2020 from $215,000 12 months ago. The 2020 budget will see tax revenue increase to $50,657,845 – a difference of $2,734,137, or 5.71 per cent, over 2019.

“County Administration is aware of external pressures and we are pleased to have an approved budget that helps our seniors, while also being fiscally responsible,” said county CAO Tim Simpson. “The work being undertaken at Maxville Manor and Dundas Manor is necessary and important to the long-term care of some of our most valued citizens.”

Quick Facts
• Maxville Manor will receive $2.5 million in funding to help with its plan to add 38 long-term care beds, bringing the total to 160, while also meeting new provincial government guidelines.
• Dundas Manor will receive $4 million to help facilitate the construction of a new building that will complement and alleviate space concerns in the existing facility.
• $289,000 in community donations were approved for the St. Lawrence River Institute ($10,000), county fairs ($9,000), Beyond 21 ($50,000), the archive digitalization project ($100,000), and OPP/RN mental health projects ($120,000).
• SDG will invest $11.4 million in road resurfacing in 2020.
• $4.6 million is allotted for bridge repair work.
• A little more than $1.2 million is being invested in culvert and drainage infrastructure.