Some Hastings Highlands councillors are expressing concerns the municipality is not getting back what it puts into the county’s tax levy.
Hastings County CAO Jim Pine attended today’s council meeting, and presented information that Hastings Highlands contributes over $2.5-million to the county’s tax levy, which is higher than any other member municipality and represents almost 20 per cent.
Councillor Alex Walder expressed concerns over a lack of that funding being spent in Hastings Highlands, and asks if the municipality will receive its share of county spending based on how much it puts in.
County Warden Rodney Cooney, who was also there, says there are discretionary funds that can be put towards municipalities, but a committee is in place to decide where that money goes. Cooney says, this year, most of the money was put towards the North Hastings area.
Cooney says the county is working on a two-year economic development plan, and hopes all member municipalities will be able to benefit from it.
CAO Jim Pine also points out that the county provides 24-hour ambulance service to Hastings Highlands, along with access to long-term care facilities, subsidized childcare, and financial aid for those in need.
Pine points to information that almost 50 per cent of all financial aid through Ontario Works goes to communities north of Highway 7.