North Huron council passed this year’s budget during the June 7 meeting. The 4.79 per cent increase in spending includes maintaining programs and services. In addition, North Huron is undertaking several major capital projects this year.
The budget was discussed at a special meeting the previous week.
“Several months ago, council and staff embarked on a program and expenditure review and a priority gathering exercise to ensure that the 2010 budget established a solid financial foundation on which we can provide the programs and services that residents expect and deserve,” said North Huron Reeve Neil Vincent. “The proposed increase will ensure that programs and services are maintained and that we can finance important capital projects.”
Budget highlights include major renovations at the Wescast Community Complex, Blyth Memorial Hall and Wingham library; construction of a new emergency services training centre in Blyth; purchasing a new grader for the East Wawanosh public works yard; and creating a new fire department with a full-time chief and an emphasis on training, compliance and prevention.
“North Huron provides a high level of service to our residents through a number of programs and services not available in other municipalities of a similar size,” said Vincent. “We feel our residents are getting good value.”
The assessment on the average single family residential home increases by 4.9 per cent from $104,820 to $109,956 meaning an overall increase of 4.27 per cent in the Wingham ward, 2.26 per cent for the Blyth ward and 2.26 per cent for the East Wawanosh ward. Each individual property experiences fluctuations based on assessed values compared to the averages.  
“Our goal is to position North Huron as a municipality that provides first-rate services and that is well-positioned to support and encourage further residential growth and economic development,” stated Vincent at the special budget meeting.