One-Sentence Summary: On December 12, 2025, the Grey County Committee of the Whole considered 2026 draft budget documents covering various services before passing an amended levy increase of 4.78% totaling $83,951,800 to offset federal funding decreases.

Whole Meeting Summary

The Committee of the Whole met on December 12, 2025, to consider the 2026 draft budget documents and handle other business matters. Staff presented allocations for various services including corporate services, property, planning, agriculture, social initiatives, long-term care, paramedic services, and fire services before the committee voted on an amended levy increase.

Top Newsworthy Developments

  • 6.a 2026 Draft Budget Documents (Operating and Capital, continued): The committee carried a voice vote to remove the Social Pinpoint item from the 2026 budget.
  • 6.a 2026 Draft Budget Documents (Operating and Capital, continued): Staff highlighted capital projects including roof replacements and new base constructions within the presented draft documents.
  • 6.a 2026 Draft Budget Documents (Operating and Capital, continued): The housing budget requires a total increase to offset federal funding decreases as noted by staff during presentations.
  • 6.a 2026 Draft Budget Documents (Operating and Capital, continued): Forestry revenue recovery projected increases were discussed alongside museum capital projects.
  • 6.a 2026 Draft Budget Documents (Operating and Capital, continued): A motion to adopt the amended 2026 budget with a 4.78% levy increase totaling $83,951,800 was passed by the Committee of the Whole.
  • 6.a 2026 Draft Budget Documents (Operating and Capital, continued): Staff presented specific allocations for court security, internet cost redistribution, and property services.
  • 6.a 2026 Draft Budget Documents (Operating and Capital, continued): Long-term care services were included in the presentation of draft budget documents for corporate services.
  • 8 Other Business: An amended budget will be presented at the January 8th session following recognition of the finance team.
  • 8 Other Business: The Committee of the Whole concluded the special budget meeting upon the motion to do so being carried.
  • 6.a 2026 Draft Budget Documents (Operating and Capital, continued): Discussions covered options regarding road exchange funding without immediate action on those specific proposals.
  • 6.a 2026 Draft Budget Documents (Operating and Capital, continued): The committee debated reducing councillor conference attendance but ultimately failed that motion after weighing fiscal considerations.

Why It Matters

  • The housing budget requires a total increase to offset federal funding decreases as explicitly noted by staff.
  • An amended budget will be presented at the January 8th session per the conclusion of the special budget meeting.

Watch Next

  • An amended budget will be presented at the January 8th session.

Read full transcript: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/grey-county/committee-of-the-whole/2025-12-12

Agenda page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/grey-county/committee-of-the-whole/2025-12-12

Official meeting page: https://pub-grey.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=2ea728fb-8ef0-4838-ad3c-d3eff3de3f1b Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF2chqi5t1M