Grey County Council and Committee of the Whole Budget — Monday, September 22, 2026
2027 Draft Budget Overview: CAO Randy Scherzer and county staff presented the 2027 draft working budget, projecting a net levy requirement of approximately $91.9 million — an 8.49% levy increase, or roughly $7.2 million above 2026’s approved levy of $84 million. The figure sits approximately $659,000 above last year’s 2027 forecast, compounded by weaker-than-expected assessment growth of approximately $880,000 against a five-year average of $1.68 million. Staff described the document as a snapshot, with a finalized version due for the incoming council in December.
2028 Preliminary Projection: The preliminary 2028 levy is projected at approximately $103 million — an 11.16% increase after estimated assessment growth. The single largest driver is a $2.8 million provincial download of conservation authority costs, which alone accounts for more than three percentage points of the 2028 increase. Excluding that download, the projected increase drops to approximately 8.11%.
Staffing Requests: New 2027 staff requests total approximately 0.68% of the levy increase. Positions include an Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, a second Housing Case Coordinator, a Business/Data Analyst, an Archives Assistant, and a Sydenham Campus custodian. Three positions — a second mechanic, a Manager of Employee and Culture Engagement, and a Manager of Facilities — were deferred to 2028. Long-term care staffing tied to the new Rockwood Terrace expansion carries an undetermined levy impact pending provincial grant offsets.
Paramedic Services: A smoothed 11-year funding plan adds $431,000 per year to cover new paramedic shifts, new bases, ambulances, and operating costs. The 2027 budget adds 1.5 shifts (six full-time paramedics plus backfill). A $175,400 debenture for a new Dundalk base was deferred to 2028.
Court Security Gap: Grey County faces approximately $490,000 in total court security costs against $400,000 budgeted in 2026. Walkerton court security remains unresolved; the OPP has indicated it cannot provide coverage provincewide.
Council Concerns: Councillor Greg expressed concern that the draft does not reflect current economic conditions, citing a series of cumulative tax increases since 2023. Councillor Eccles requested a December report comparing staff headcount growth to population growth since 2022, and how much lapsed provincial funding has been absorbed onto the levy. Councillor Bobby called for formal written business cases for all new positions and programs.
Closed Session: Council moved into closed session under Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act to discuss labour relations and collective agreement cost assumptions, on motion by Councillor Hutchinson, seconded by the Deputy Warden.