The Town of Prescott staff presented the first part of the town’s operations budget for 2019.
Prescott CAO/Treasurer Matthew Armstrong spoke about the town’s budget assumptions, health and social services for next year.
The expense budget assumptions show a 1.75 per cent salary increase for union and non-union.
There is a five per cent electricity and natural gas increase. Armstrong says once they know more about the impacts of the carbon tax they may decrease this number. There is a three per cent insurance increase and three per cent telephone increase as well.
For health services expenses, the budget for the Medical Centre may increase $2,000 to $31,910 in 2019. There is also a transfer to reserves of $7,800. Armstrong says that is the same amount as 2018 and will go to major repairs at the centre in future years.
For Public Health, the budget may increase over $3,600 to $77,161 next year. Armstrong says there is a new basis and two per cent increase for public health.
The ambulance services may increase over $27,000 to $233,134. Armstrong says this is a multi-year expansion of service which aims to address the long wait times in rural areas.
Social services expenses cover general assistance, assistance to aged, child care and public housing. For general assistance, the town expects a two per cent increase to $161,161 in 2019.
Armstrong says that when it comes to the St. Lawrence Lodge budget, Prescott may assume a five per cent increase in the budget to $435,394 next year.
The town is also expecting a two per cent increase for child care to $29,683 and to public housing at $174,553.
The next budget meeting is planned for January 7. That meeting will look at administration, protective services and planning and developing.