County projects possible 1.95% increase in taxes

Director of Finance, Jennifer Moore presented the 2010 Draft Budget Overview for Northumberland County which outlined the 2010 Budget objectives including maintaining current services and programs provided by the County; minimizing the levy increase due to the ongoing economic crisis; planning for future expenditures and building reserves while assuming minimum new debt. County departments kicked-off the budget cycle in September 2009, reviewing all programs, services and projects in detail to develop the draft budget.
The Department draft 2010 budgets were scrutinized by the Department Coordinators over November and December 2009. Department presentations were made for Corporate Services, Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development. The remaining Departments including Social Services and Housing, Waste Management, EMS and the Golden Plough Lodge will be making their 2010 Draft Budget presentations to County Council on February 3, 2010 and budget approval is tentatively scheduled for the same day.

Highlights of the budget include

1.95% levy increase which is the lowest in over 10 years
Current programs and services remain at existing levels
No projects will be financed by debt
Several departments have built reserve contributions into their base budgets in 2010