County approves 2.4% budget hike

Journal Staff Lambton County council has approved an increase of 2.39% for 2017. The 2017 budget calls for $204.3 million in spending, of which $72.8 million will be raised through local property taxes.

Journal Staff

Lambton County council has approved an increase of 2.39% for 2017.

The 2017 budget calls for $204.3 million in spending, of which $72.8 million will be raised through local property taxes.

Fifty-nine capital projects were approved at a total cost of $20 million. That includes the second year of upgrades in a 10-year, $40-million social housing capital plan.

Two ambulances will be replaced this year, repairs will be made to the Lambton Heritage Museum and council chambers will receive accessibility upgrades.

Council tabled a motion for a $164,250 grant to Sarnia-Lambton Rebound for the new Hub. It will be reviewed again within the next six months.

The new budget calls for $2.5 million in new debt.

The County of Lambton operates a wide variety of programs and services such as land ambulance, provincial offences court, three longterm care homes, 26 library branches, two museums, an art gallery, archives, local roadways, public health services, housing services, social services, building services and planning and development services. The corporation employs approximately 1,200.