Agenda
[1:07]
Call to Order
[1:20]
Moment of Reflection
[1:26]
Singing of ‘O Canada’
[3:18]
Land Acknowledgement Statement
[3:47]
Recording of Attendance
[3:53]
County Warden’s Welcome and Remarks
[5:48]
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest
[6:05]
Adoption of Minutes
[6:07]
Delegations and Presentations
[6:09]
Communications
[6:07]
Correspondence
[6:40]
Consent Agenda
[7:33]
Chief Administrative Officer's Summary - 2026 County of Essex Budget
[7:15]
County of Essex 2026 Advocacy Priorities
[19:30]
2026 Budget Overview - Treasurer's Report
[36:23]
2026 Budget - Community Services/Residential Services Homes
[1:15:54]
2026 Budget - Sun Parlor Home
[1:47:30]
2026 Budget - Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services
[2:29:35]
2026 Budget - Infrastructure and Planning Services
[4:04:04]
2026 Budget - Essex County Library Board
[4:13:03]
2026 Budget - General Government Services
[4:59:45]
2026 Budget - External Commitments
[5:10:27]
2026 Final Budget
[6:20:45]
Unfinished Business
[6:20:54]
New Business
[6:22:17]
Adoption of By-Laws
[6:23:24]
Adjournment
Transcript
SOURCE TRANSCRIPT
This transcript is downloaded from the source you provided but we haven't reviewed it for accuracy. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record. You can also request an AI-transcription of the audio file with the button to the left.
[0:00]
>> good morning, everyone.
[1:05]
I would like to call the december third 2025 essex county
[1:11]
council meeting to order.
[1:12]
council is gathered this morning
[1:15]
to deliberate the 2026 budget.
[1:16]
we will invite everyone to join
[1:23]
council and administration as
[1:24]
we take this time for a moment of
[1:26]
reflection.
[1:26]
that will lead into the playing
[1:28]
of our national anthem.
[1:29]
[o canada playing, instrumental]
[2:43]
we acknowledge the land on which
[3:18]
the county of essex is located
[3:20]
is the traditional territory of
[3:21]
the three fires confederacy of
[3:22]
first nations, comprised of the
[3:24]
ojibway, odawa and potawatomie
[3:25]
peoples.
[3:25]
we specifically recognize
[3:28]
caldwell first nation and other
[3:30]
first nations which have
[3:32]
provided significant historical
[3:33]
and contemporary contributions
[3:35]
to this region.
[3:37]
we also value the contributions
[3:40]
of all original peoples of
[3:45]
turtle island
[3:46]
who have been living and working
[3:48]
on this land from time
[3:49]
immemorial.
[3:49]
>> is a look around the table,
[3:55]
I see all-county members are around the table this morning.
[3:57]
again, good morning.
[3:58]
welcome to what we hope is a --
[4:04]
I'm trying to think what p word
[4:06]
is good.
[4:06]
>> productive.
[4:10]
thank you.
[4:11]
a productive day this morning.
[4:12]
without too much pain, shall we
[4:16]
put it that way.
[4:17]
the county's strategic plan calls for the county of essex
[4:22]
to be a regional champion delivering services for the success of our local communities
[4:27]
and residents.
[4:27]
that plan also calls for us to
[4:30]
be a powerhouse in public and
[4:32]
private investment attraction
[4:34]
I investing in quality infrastructure and creating conditions conducive to economic
[4:37]
growth.
[4:38]
the county of essex staff built
[4:40]
the proposed 2026 budget in response to the strategic priorities that we as council
[4:48]
set and they did so in a challenging economic environment
[4:51]
while trying to maintain service
[4:52]
levels.
[4:52]
I thank them for their dedication and hard work.
[4:56]
now it's time for us to get to
[4:59]
work.
[5:00]
I know we are up for the task.
[5:02]
reviewing and setting the budget
[5:04]
is one of the most important jobs that council performs and
[5:07]
I am looking forward to the discussions around this table
[5:13]
as we chart our course for 2026 and
[5:14]
beyond.
[5:15]
before we get started, just a
[5:19]
little notes.
[5:19]
if we have moments in the discussion process where we asked the finance department for
[5:30]
certain numbers or certain adjustments instead of us just
[5:32]
sitting then, perhaps we will
[5:35]
take a little break at that time
[5:37]
time.
[5:37]
I think that keeps us moving a
[5:38]
little bit, getting up and down
[5:40]
, and it also, it doesn't put the
[5:42]
pressure on our ladies at the
[5:46]
finance table.
[5:46]
if that's okay with you, I think
[5:48]
we will proceed in that manner
[5:50]
.
[5:50]
thank you.
[5:50]
any disclosures of pecuniary interest around the table this
[5:56]
morning?
[5:56]
seen none.
[5:57]
if at any point during the proceedings matter is raised
[6:00]
for which a member has an interest which is pecuniary, of
[6:05]
decoration can be made.
[6:07]
no minutes for council's consideration and no delegations
[6:09]
delegations.
[6:09]
one piece of correspondence received in relation to the 2026
[6:15]
draft budget.
[6:15]
does anyone want to discuss that
[6:17]
item further?
[6:17]
I am seeing none.
[6:22]
the recommendation is that the
[6:23]
correspondence listed on the regular agenda for december december third, 2025, we received.
[6:28]
looking for a mover and a second
[6:31]
life.
[6:31]
moved by councilor verbeke, seconded by councilor meloche.
[6:34]
any discussion?
[6:35]
all in favour by show of hands
[6:37]
.
[6:37]
that is carried.
[6:38]
thank you.
[6:39]
no resolutions for consideration
[6:41]
consideration.
[6:41]
under consent, there are two items listed for december third
[6:44]
.
[6:44]
anything there that council would like to discuss further?
[6:47]
seeing none.
[6:49]
there is a recommendation that
[6:51]
the recommendations included in
[6:52]
the reports listed as items 11.1
[6:55]
and 11.2 on the consent agenda
[6:57]
for december third, 2025 be approved.
[6:59]
looking for a mover and a second
[7:01]
her.
[7:01]
councilor mcnamara any discussion?
[7:09]
all in favour that is carried
[7:16]
as part of the deliberations there
[7:18]
is one report for council to consider and it is the county
[7:22]
of essex 2026 advocacy priorities
[7:24]
.
[7:24]
for that report we turn to our
[7:28]
cao sandra zwiers.
[7:29]
sandra.
[7:29]
>> thank you, gordon.
[7:29]
before I get into my report, I
[7:34]
do want to make a few opening
[7:36]
remarks about this year's budget
[7:37]
budget.
[7:37]
first and foremost, I want to
[7:39]
thank this council.
[7:39]
your support and encouragement
[7:42]
to staff over this past year has
[7:44]
really meant a lot to the team
[7:46]
.
[7:46]
providing public service is not
[7:48]
easy.
[7:48]
but it is made easier when we
[7:50]
know as staff that we have the
[7:52]
support of our council.
[7:54]
this year, we really want to extend our things as we get into
[7:57]
what is likely going to be a tough day today.
[8:00]
but we want to certainly start
[8:01]
with thanks to council.
[8:03]
I also want to extend sincere
[8:05]
thanks to the entire leadership
[8:06]
team here at the county.
[8:07]
it does take a village to prepare a budget.
[8:09]
this process started many, many
[8:13]
months ago.
[8:14]
everyone in this room and many
[8:15]
who are not in this room contributed to the success of
[8:20]
the document you are going to
[8:21]
see today.
[8:22]
this was a challenging year, as
[8:26]
the warden noted.
[8:27]
with cost pressures affecting
[8:29]
every aspect of our operations
[8:30]
.
[8:30]
our staff across all departments
[8:31]
deserve recognition for crafting
[8:35]
a fiscally responsible budget
[8:37]
that stays through to joe's stays true.
[8:38]
staff carefully assess whether
[8:40]
every dollar could have the greatest impact and maintaining
[8:43]
vital services will making significant targeted investments in health care, and
[8:47]
for structure, housing supports
[8:48]
and public safety.
[8:49]
your admin team has tried to do
[8:52]
the heavy lifting for you today
[8:53]
.
[8:53]
hopefully you will see that this
[8:55]
budget has tried to weigh spending against the risk of deferral.
[8:59]
it presents a budget that is in
[9:03]
line with inflation while maintaining the levels of service our county residents demand.
[9:06]
each year, we do truck try to
[9:10]
improve upon the process and we
[9:12]
tried that once again this year
[9:14]
.
[9:14]
part of the role that I tried
[9:16]
to play in helping the team was meeting with each of county council throughout the year to
[9:20]
have discussions on what your
[9:22]
budget priorities were, and suggestions for improvement on
[9:24]
the process.
[9:25]
and so again, I want to thank
[9:27]
council for your engagement in
[9:28]
those meetings and the valuable
[9:30]
insights and suggestions that
[9:31]
you gave that helped form the
[9:33]
experience we hope you will enjoy today.
[9:34]
the goal of any budget is to action our strategic plan, as
[9:39]
the warden said.
[9:39]
this budget we feel does support
[9:42]
a number of key strategies in
[9:44]
our plan.
[9:45]
that takes me to the report that
[9:46]
is in your agenda package this
[9:48]
morning.
[9:49]
as promised at our last council
[9:50]
meeting we are looking to formalize our advocacy approach
[9:54]
in both a policy as well as formalizing advocacy priorities
[9:59]
for council as we enter in to
[10:01]
26 26.
[10:01]
the report this morning does seek council's input and direction for a focused of cacique campaign for next year
[10:08]
.
[10:08]
on the second page of my report
[10:11]
, you will see a number of proposed advocacy priorities for
[10:14]
your consideration today.
[10:14]
these priorities speak to specific needs within the county
[10:20]
but they are also aligned quite
[10:21]
nicely with the advocacy approaches and priorities of agencies above us.
[10:27]
so amo, the western ontario warden
[10:30]
warden's caucus, and most importantly the province.
[10:32]
it is important that what we do
[10:34]
here mina simply does aligned
[10:35]
with provincial priorities.
[10:36]
each of these priorities has been incorporated to some varying degree in the proposed
[10:42]
budget you are going to get a
[10:44]
walk-through today.
[10:44]
very quickly, these are outlined
[10:47]
in the report, improving mobility and roadway capacity.
[10:52]
our road network is vital to the
[10:55]
linkages and economy in our region.
[10:57]
you will see a focused there.
[10:58]
ensuring safe, affordable homes
[11:01]
as a foundation for sustainable
[11:02]
community growth.
[11:02]
as you know in 2025, we completed our regional affordable housing strategy and
[11:08]
we are looking to advance those
[11:10]
conversations with our locals,
[11:11]
and see what we can do is a region to help move the housing
[11:14]
goals forward.
[11:14]
the third is improving access
[11:18]
to health care and paramedic service modernization.
[11:20]
we have a number of our ems folks in the audience as well
[11:23]
today and we have a fantastic
[11:27]
group at our long-term care home
[11:29]
as well.
[11:29]
we are looking to really focus
[11:31]
our efforts and optimize the scarce resources we have to provide those services.
[11:34]
the fourth item we are looking
[11:37]
to focus on in 2026 is advancing
[11:40]
environmental stewardship.
[11:41]
as you know, our geography is
[11:43]
unique in the province when we
[11:45]
are surrounded by great lakes
[11:46]
and with that joy and environmental luxury does come
[11:52]
some specific challenges for our
[11:53]
region particularly in the form
[11:54]
of flooding and shoreline erosion and also wanting to be
[12:00]
prepared from an emergency management perspective.
[12:02]
the fifth item we've identified
[12:06]
for council's consideration is
[12:08]
economic development trade stability.
[12:09]
it is no surprise and we've said
[12:11]
this many times during 2025, the
[12:12]
impacts of tariffs and cross-border trade tensions impact the essex county region
[12:18]
more amplified then I either other areas of the province.
[12:24]
as a county government, we're
[12:26]
looking to make sure the province is aware of our issues
[12:28]
and we are representing the needs of our business community
[12:31]
.
[12:31]
in the report, you will see a
[12:34]
number of advocacy opportunities
[12:35]
for next year.
[12:35]
we are looking to delegate at
[12:37]
various conferences, at roma and
[12:40]
amo as usual.
[12:41]
also looking to participate in
[12:44]
the western ontario wardens caucus queen's park today, which
[12:46]
would be a new event for us in
[12:48]
the spring.
[12:48]
of course ongoing meetings and
[12:51]
intentional conversations with
[12:51]
our local mps and mpps.
[12:53]
in terms of next steps, council
[12:56]
with your direction today, we
[12:57]
would be action inc. These priorities in terms of print materials and information on our
[13:05]
public facing social media and county website.
[13:07]
in terms of financial considerations while there is
[13:11]
an element of cost, we have waived these against the proposed budget and we are confident the proposed budget
[13:16]
includes enough funding to action the strategies we've outlined for council consideration today.
[13:22]
the report this morning does give council a bit of meat on
[13:28]
the bone to chew on but certainly we are looking to council to get your input and
[13:34]
your official direction on the
[13:35]
advocacy priorities you would
[13:36]
like to see in 2026.
[13:37]
with that, I would be happy to
[13:39]
answer any of your questions.
[13:40]
>> thank you.
[13:43]
any questions for administration
[13:44]
administration?
[13:44]
councilor prue.
[13:44]
>> thank you, madame borden.
[13:48]
I read with some interest the
[13:53]
delegation to go to queen's park
[13:54]
.
[13:54]
it seemed like it wasn't funded
[13:59]
by very much.
[13:59]
is that because we are going with the western ontario wardens
[14:03]
so -- I'm just trying to figure
[14:07]
it out.
[14:07]
it's only $4000.
[14:08]
>> yes, we considered this activity on our own as a county
[14:17]
government.
[14:17]
there was considerable cost associated with that and never
[14:20]
.
[14:20]
we did learn late this fall that
[14:23]
the western ontario wardens caucus does an annual queen's
[14:27]
park day, and in 2026, they are
[14:29]
inviting all members to display
[14:33]
a table, have a booth, and we
[14:36]
can essentially piggyback on their efforts to set up an advocacy day at queen's park.
[14:42]
it certainly has reduced the cost for the county and we are
[14:47]
leveraging our membership to make that happen.
[14:49]
>> thank you.
[14:51]
having attended hundreds of these things in my years at queen's park, they tend to be
[14:58]
rather large affairs.
[14:59]
the tables showcase products and
[15:06]
services from each of the regions.
[15:07]
I would imagine we would take
[15:13]
down wine and other things that
[15:15]
are from the region.
[15:16]
is that the intent?
[15:19]
that we have that kind of stuff
[15:21]
to showcase?
[15:21]
texas county?
[15:25]
>> planning is in the early stages.
[15:28]
we will work quite closely with
[15:31]
the staff to make sure what we
[15:33]
are delivering to represent essex county is comparable to
[15:36]
what other members are doing that conversation will take place administratively and certainly as appropriate, we can
[15:44]
bring back a proposal to county
[15:46]
council so county council is aware of the level of effort.
[15:49]
it certainly is an opportunity
[15:51]
that county is representing seven local municipalities and
[15:55]
so while they are looking to showcase the county of essex proper it is a really nice opportunity to showcase what is
[16:01]
happening in each of our seven
[16:02]
locals.
[16:02]
we will be in touch with administrative teams as well to
[16:05]
see how we can best leverage this opportunity.
[16:08]
>> are you confident that the
[16:10]
amount set aside, which I think
[16:11]
is fairly small, a sufficient?
[16:12]
>> we are confident.
[16:14]
>> thank you.
[16:15]
>> anyone else?
[16:17]
councilor akpata.
[16:22]
>> I appreciate this.
[16:23]
I'm wondering if we are looking
[16:25]
at doing outside of the box final engagements because our
[16:29]
minister polities have been impacted by international decisions with his -- which is
[16:32]
the exclusive purview of the federal government.
[16:34]
even in our own facilities, we've seen cost rise beyond the
[16:39]
scope of what the province can
[16:41]
do.
[16:41]
I'm wondering through you, madame borden, if the ceo has
[16:46]
any ideas that may help all of
[16:47]
us?
[16:47]
>> through you, worden, you will
[16:51]
notice one of the items in the
[16:53]
list is meetings with mps and
[16:56]
mpps.
[16:56]
is something we have historically focused on and councilor akpata, you are correct that the federal connection probably hasn't been
[17:04]
as strong at the county as we
[17:06]
can make it.
[17:07]
the goal in 2026 is to seek out
[17:10]
those opportunities for hopefully one on one conversations with mps.
[17:12]
we have found that the conversations are more candid
[17:18]
and often more productive when
[17:19]
you can meet with members of either the province of the federal government in a smaller
[17:24]
setting rather than in a conference 15 minute speed dating situation.
[17:29]
we will be looking administratively to seek out those opportunities to meet with
[17:33]
our mps.
[17:33]
>> a supplemental, if I may.
[17:37]
I saw that.
[17:38]
I'm looking for -- my friend spoke about queen's park day.
[17:42]
I know perhaps down the road,
[17:44]
may be the house might be something we could engage in various departments.
[17:49]
I look at what's going on, to
[17:53]
lay with the infrastructure bill
[17:54]
that's going on that's going to
[17:56]
connect windsor and detroit.
[17:58]
it's affecting this a polities
[17:59]
here.
[17:59]
I want to make sure as we go down this path, we don't eliminate anything that's going
[18:03]
to affect the dollars that we
[18:05]
spend.
[18:05]
that solemn looking for.
[18:06]
>> thank you.
[18:07]
anyone else?
[18:07]
>> thank you, madame warden.
[18:13]
I'm supportive of the five parties and read them -- ready
[18:16]
to move them and endorse all five under the recommendation
[18:20]
when you are.
[18:20]
>> if there are no further comments we will come back to
[18:23]
you.
[18:24]
I will read the recommendation
[18:25]
first.
[18:26]
that is that essex county council received report number
[18:29]
number 2025 s1 203ca o-letter,
[18:33]
o-letter, county of essex 2026
[18:34]
advocacy priorities as information and direct administration -- into the county
[18:42]
county's advocacy strategy and
[18:43]
2026 advocacy calendar.
[18:44]
that is moved by councilor rogers.
[18:48]
looking for a second or.
[18:49]
councilor meloche.
[18:51]
any discussion on the motion itself?
[18:54]
seeing on, I ask you to vote electronically.
[18:56]
>> that's carried unanimously.
[19:16]
thank you.
[19:16]
this is where the rubber hits
[19:21]
the road.
[19:22]
2026 budget overview treasuries
[19:25]
report.
[19:26]
for this report, melissa ryan.
[19:29]
over to you.
[19:30]
>> thank you, wardens.
[19:33]
good morning.
[19:33]
thank you for joining the county
[19:37]
administration team today to kick off our 2026 county budget
[19:42]
deliberations.
[19:42]
this morning, I will provide a
[19:44]
high-level overview of the 2026
[19:46]
budget our priorities, the pressures we are facing and what
[19:50]
this means for residents today
[19:51]
and for our long-term stability
[19:52]
.
[19:52]
to start off, I would like to
[19:54]
take a moment to acknowledge all
[19:55]
of the county staff who worked
[19:57]
on preparing this year's budget
[19:58]
.
[19:58]
sitting beside me is heidi mc mcleod our manager of accounting and deputy treasurer
[20:02]
, what's been key in keeping us
[20:04]
organize along with her team of
[20:05]
financial analysts, whose attention to detail made this
[20:12]
process run smoothly.
[20:12]
I would also like to thank our
[20:14]
cao and senior leadership team
[20:17]
for their insight and participation throughout the process as well as our communications and council services team for helping make
[20:23]
the budget clear and accessible
[20:25]
.
[20:25]
I would also like to thank all
[20:27]
others in the county who supported this budget process.
[20:29]
this really has been a countywide collaborative effort
[20:33]
built on trust, teamwork and commitment.
[20:34]
our goal, just as has been over
[20:38]
the past four years that this
[20:40]
council has been at the table
[20:42]
remain simple, maintain stability deliver value and plan responsibly for our future
[20:45]
.
[20:45]
we want to make sure our financial decisions continue to
[20:49]
align with council's priorities
[20:50]
and community needs.
[20:50]
today's agenda starts with a general overview followed by departmental presentations.
[20:55]
after each one, there will be
[20:58]
an opportunity for questions and
[21:00]
discussion.
[21:00]
council can decide whether to
[21:01]
receive the information for further review later today or
[21:05]
to receive and approve the department
[21:06]
department's 2026 budget if there's a consensus to move forward.
[21:10]
to keep everyone focused and energized we are planning breaks at 10:30, noon and 2:30
[21:15]
.
[21:15]
it will stay flexible depending
[21:17]
how the discussion close.
[21:18]
we will also have a quick break
[21:21]
before finalizing the levy recommendation to make sure any
[21:23]
adjustments from today's discussions are accurately reflected.
[21:24]
the 2026 budget process began
[21:28]
in may of 2025 with planning sessions and departmental reviews.
[21:32]
we aimed to make this project
[21:34]
more strategic, ensuring that
[21:36]
every dollar aligns with council
[21:38]
parties and community expectations.
[21:39]
after laster's budget, we held
[21:40]
a debrief to learn what worked well and what we could improve.
[21:41]
The feedback shaped the 2026
[21:41]
Process.
[21:47]
debrief to learn what worked well and what we could improve.
[21:47]
The feedback shaped the 2026
[21:47]
Process.
[21:47]
debrief to learn what worked well and what we could improve.
[21:47]
The feedback shaped the 2026
[21:47]
Process.
[21:47]
debrief to learn what worked well and what we could improve.
[21:47]
The feedback shaped the 2026
[21:47]
Process.
[21:47]
by november, the full 2026 budget was finalized and provided to council and the public.
[21:57]
throughout, we focused on fundamentals.
[22:00]
we started with our 2025 base
[22:04]
budget factoring in contractual
[22:05]
increases reviewing departmental work plans, studying assumptions around inflation and row and ensuring
[22:12]
every decision supports long-term sustainability.
[22:13]
while the document itself may
[22:15]
be 163 pages, it's really the result of months of collaboration planning and a
[22:21]
lot of caffeine, all aimed at
[22:22]
delivering a budget that balances today's needs with tomorrow's goals.
[22:25]
as we look at what is shaping
[22:27]
the 2026 budget, there are a few
[22:29]
big drivers we can't ignore.
[22:30]
first is inflation.
[22:31]
yes, it is finally starting to
[22:35]
stabilize which is great news
[22:36]
but we are still feeling its impacts in some key areas, especially in certain contracts
[22:41]
with materials, software, vehicles and wages.
[22:42]
next we are managing steady growth across the county which
[22:47]
adds pressure.
[22:48]
each new subdivision, road or
[22:50]
community initiative create ripple effects that require planning funding and people to
[22:54]
deliver.
[22:54]
it's a good problem to have.
[22:56]
growth is the sign of a healthy
[22:58]
county but it requires thoughtful balancing.
[23:00]
speaking of people, let's talk
[23:03]
about human resources.
[23:03]
2026 will be a busy year.
[23:05]
a key phase with five collective
[23:09]
agreements coming up for negotiation.
[23:10]
at the same time, we focus on
[23:13]
retention and succession planning making sure we continue to attract and keep talented skilled staff because
[23:17]
at the end of the day, our people are the ones who make the
[23:21]
services happen.
[23:21]
at the heart of this budget is
[23:25]
fiscal responsibility.
[23:25]
our approach remains consistent
[23:26]
hereafter year.
[23:27]
we focus on maintaining service
[23:29]
levels honouring commitments
[23:30]
to community and making decisions
[23:32]
today that don't compromise tomorrow's financial stability
[23:33]
.
[23:33]
I am proud to say that that approach continues to serve us
[23:38]
well.
[23:38]
the county is recognized for its
[23:40]
strong fiscal management, a solid credit rating and a pay-as-you-go philosophy that
[23:45]
helps us limit that and keep control of our financial future
[23:48]
.
[23:48]
of course, that doesn't mean it's easy.
[23:50]
we are still navigating challenges things like rising
[23:54]
operational and timber structure
[23:55]
cost increasing land prices,
[23:56]
limited provincial funding and
[23:59]
ongoing deferral of property tax
[24:00]
reassessment.
[24:00]
to manage these challenges, we
[24:03]
come back to our guiding budget
[24:05]
principles which include maintaining essential service
[24:08]
levels honouring our commitments and prioritizing long-term stability.
[24:11]
these principles keep us grounded to help ensure we are
[24:14]
not just reacting to short-term
[24:16]
pressures but building a balanced looking budget that reflects both fiscal discipline
[24:20]
and community priorities.
[24:21]
this slide gives a high-level
[24:25]
look at the 2026 county budget
[24:26]
.
[24:26]
the total proposed budget comes
[24:28]
in at 145.7 million, with 96.8 million dedicated to operations and 48.9 million for
[24:34]
capital.
[24:37]
the result is a proposed 2.5%
[24:38]
-- it works out to be $51.84 a year
[24:45]
for an average home assessed at
[24:46]
350,000.
[24:46]
what I want to emphasize here
[24:49]
is that the budget isn't about across-the-board increases, it's
[24:52]
about strategic investments with
[24:53]
measurable impact.
[24:54]
every dollar has a purpose and
[24:59]
to be our advancing council's
[25:00]
priorities in a sustainable way
[25:01]
.
[25:01]
a quick fun fact that I am typically asked by council is
[25:07]
that everyone present changing
[25:07]
the tax rate equals about 1.42 million in levy dollars.
[25:11]
I will just add, our team did
[25:15]
some heavy lifting this year.
[25:16]
we started with a potential 13.3
[25:18]
million-dollar levy increase and
[25:19]
through internal reviews and incorporating growth, we brought
[25:22]
that down to 5.7 million.
[25:25]
that is a reduction of seven-point 6 million before the
[25:27]
budget even reached council.
[25:28]
this slide shows the infamous
[25:33]
loony graph indicating what portion of your tax dollar goes
[25:35]
to each department.
[25:37]
the largest year, as you can see
[25:38]
see, was timber structure and
[25:40]
planning followed by external
[25:41]
commitments which are for things
[25:42]
like public health and social
[25:44]
services and regional initiatives.
[25:45]
this slide gives a snapshot of
[25:48]
where we have been and where we
[25:50]
are heading in terms of tax rate
[25:52]
changes and inflation from 2021
[25:54]
to 2026.
[25:54]
we talk about inflation, is important to remember we are not
[26:01]
just talking about regular cpi
[26:02]
that affects groceries and clothing.
[26:03]
for municipalities, our shopping
[26:06]
list looks a little different.
[26:08]
things like asphalt, concrete
[26:10]
and construction materials are
[26:11]
all tied to nonresidential construction inflation, which
[26:15]
tends to rise faster.
[26:16]
even if general inflation cools
[26:17]
, our project cost don't always
[26:19]
follow suit.
[26:19]
big picture, our tax rate increases have historically stayed at or below inflation which has helped keep things affordable for residents but it
[26:28]
also means we have years where
[26:29]
we are just catching up after
[26:31]
holding the line for so long.
[26:32]
for 2026, we are still in balance mode, managing inflation
[26:37]
inflation, funding big capital
[26:38]
priorities like the roadway expansion program, the new windsor-essex hospital, the ms
[26:42]
master plan and social services
[26:43]
while keeping the increase moderate and sustainable.
[26:47]
overall, this trend shows what
[26:48]
I think is a responsible story,
[26:51]
study deliberate adjustment to
[26:53]
keep up with inflation and growth while continuing to invest where it matters most.
[26:56]
this next line shows how we arrived at our 2026 levy requirement.
[27:01]
we started with the 2025 base
[27:05]
levy and added increases from
[27:07]
each department bringing the total to approximately 145.7 million.
[27:12]
the main departmental increases
[27:13]
that affect the levy include the
[27:15]
addition of eight paramedic positions one human resources
[27:20]
assistant and one human resource
[27:22]
generalist.
[27:22]
residential and homelessness services we have increased per per diem funding for residential
[27:28]
services and we have also expanded the county's overnight
[27:31]
homelessness program.
[27:31]
additional levy dollars were included to close the asset management planned gap and also
[27:40]
levy dollars were put into support the roadway expansion
[27:43]
program.
[27:43]
there were some levy dollars for
[27:46]
enhanced recreational programming.
[27:47]
we did increase our funding for
[27:51]
drainage management with council
[27:56]
direction.
[27:56]
for social services and housing
[27:58]
, you will see higher operational
[28:00]
cost which have been communicated to us by the service manager at the city of
[28:04]
windsor.
[28:04]
we also have our hospital reserve.
[28:08]
we are continuing with that funding model presented to council.
[28:12]
that's funding strategy was already provided and we do see
[28:15]
an increase in that.
[28:16]
other large increases that are
[28:19]
reserve funded include facility
[28:19]
updates such as accessibility
[28:23]
improvements to the elevator and
[28:25]
basement floor and there are going to be basement floor repairs at the county administration building.
[28:30]
for ems facilities characters
[28:33]
increase funding for the ems station maintenance.
[28:36]
there's also a service delivery
[28:38]
review for infrastructure and
[28:41]
planning services included as
[28:43]
well as investments in workforce
[28:44]
planning and I.t. Initiatives.
[28:45]
I would like to highlight a few
[28:48]
key items that have influenced
[28:50]
the county's overall budget.
[28:51]
you will see a common theme throughout all of the various
[28:54]
departments.
[28:54]
first we have about 3 million
[28:58]
in contractual salary increases that council is already approved
[29:00]
for various nonunion and union
[29:02]
groups as well as anticipated
[29:03]
outcomes of some collective agreements.
[29:04]
with those increases, there are
[29:07]
increases in the benefits cost
[29:08]
as well.
[29:08]
next we have some dollars that
[29:11]
have shifted between departments
[29:12]
due to reallocation of internal
[29:14]
recoveries.
[29:14]
this helps ensure costs are properly assigned to the departments that support them
[29:19]
and finally there are a few prebudget approvals that were
[29:22]
already approved throughout 2025
[29:24]
, including ems vehicle procurement and the over structure and planning services
[29:30]
area.
[29:30]
we have the state of good repair
[29:32]
repair, two projects that were
[29:34]
approved and also the addition
[29:36]
of the legal articling student
[29:37]
in corporate management approved
[29:38]
in 2025 in order to hire in 2026 2026.
[29:41]
to reach our 2.65% target, we
[29:47]
did have to defer a few valuable
[29:48]
initiatives.
[29:48]
for those interested in appendix
[29:51]
32, treasurers report, there is
[29:53]
a list that has all of those items.
[29:55]
many of them align with our long-term priorities and remain
[29:59]
on the table.
[30:00]
council can still choose to include them in the budget if
[30:03]
they decide they are the priority.
[30:04]
they will also be discussed at
[30:06]
the department level as well if
[30:09]
further details than what are
[30:10]
shown in the appendix are sought
[30:12]
after.
[30:12]
this chart shows the counties
[30:16]
full-time and part-time staffing
[30:17]
levels.
[30:17]
as you can see, the 2026 draft
[30:19]
budget includes an increase of
[30:21]
11 full-time positions, eight
[30:23]
of which are paramedics.
[30:24]
in addition, there was a request
[30:25]
for the -- increased part-time
[30:26]
hours for sun parlor homes staff
[30:29]
staff.
[30:29]
across all departments, 29 new
[30:33]
positions were proposed during
[30:34]
the budget process.
[30:35]
through the administrative review process, that this was
[30:40]
carefully evaluated based on organizational priorities and
[30:43]
fiscal capacity.
[30:43]
in the end, 11 full-time positions were prioritized and
[30:47]
concluded in the proposed budget
[30:49]
budget.
[30:49]
these lima the recommendations
[30:49]
by our director of human resources at the october 15 council meeting.
[30:56]
looking ahead to 2026, our overall reserve position is generally on track, which is great news.
[31:01]
though there are still a few areas that will need careful attention.
[31:05]
our capital reserve remains underfunded which continues to
[31:08]
be a challenge since we rely on
[31:10]
it for large-scale -- pressures
[31:12]
on the reserve will come from
[31:14]
the ems master plan which includes several capital projects.
[31:17]
to address this, we have built
[31:19]
in a plan to add $1 million to
[31:21]
the levy each year for the next
[31:22]
nine years, gradually repaying
[31:23]
what we're using now.
[31:24]
these reserves will also be important for the sun parlor homes project whether that ends
[31:30]
up being a major redevelopment
[31:31]
or rebuild depending on the results of the feasibility study
[31:35]
study.
[31:35]
the rate stabilization reserve
[31:36]
is slightly above target range
[31:37]
of 10% of the levy.
[31:39]
we will continue to monitor that
[31:40]
throughout the year.
[31:40]
reserves are critical because
[31:42]
they help us plan for the long long term to -- keep tax rates
[31:45]
stable when costs arrive and balance affordability between
[31:50]
today's pacs -- today's taxpayers and those in the future.
[31:52]
it can be tempting to use reserve debt hold taxes down,
[31:57]
this isn't a sustainable approach.
[31:58]
the real focus needs to remain
[32:00]
on aligning service levels with
[32:02]
proper funding.
[32:02]
by the end of 2026, total reserves are projected to decrease by 56 million.
[32:06]
that is largely due to the planned investments and roadway
[32:11]
expansion projects.
[32:11]
as noted in the funding model
[32:13]
shared with councilor this year
[32:14]
, debt for the roadway expansion
[32:17]
program may be required as early
[32:18]
as 2028.
[32:19]
the good news is we have a plan
[32:22]
to gradually replenish the reserve over the 20 year program
[32:24]
.
[32:24]
using our reserves also affects
[32:28]
our investment income potential
[32:29]
.
[32:29]
interest income is estimated in
[32:31]
the 2026 budget.
[32:32]
we are in a good position on that front despite reserves reducing by 56 million.
[32:37]
the 2026 budget faces several
[32:42]
inherent risks, many of which
[32:44]
are outside the control of administration and council.
[32:47]
key challenges include potential
[32:48]
provincial funding reduction,
[32:51]
rising ems call volumes and off-load delays, escalating cost
[32:54]
for construction and essential
[32:56]
supply and global inflation pressures.
[32:58]
additionally, factors like winter maintenance expenses, collective bargaining outcomes
[33:03]
and increasing demand for social
[33:05]
services and affordable housing
[33:07]
could significantly impact budget outcomes.
[33:08]
council will be informed of any
[33:10]
unforeseen budget pressures throughout the year with strategies developed to address
[33:14]
them as needed.
[33:14]
for the average homeowner with
[33:18]
a property assessed at 350,000,
[33:21]
county taxes are projected to
[33:22]
increase by $51.84 for the year
[33:23]
.
[33:23]
just a reminder that the assessed values are still being
[33:28]
held at 2016 assessment rates
[33:31]
and there is no indicator of a
[33:32]
reassessment in the near future
[33:34]
.
[33:34]
it's a modest and manageable increase one that balances rising service demand due to growth in inflationary cost and
[33:41]
the need to keep long-term finances stable.
[33:42]
the number could shift slightly
[33:44]
based on final tax policy decisions which will be made in
[33:48]
february of 2026 when council
[33:49]
confirms rates.
[33:49]
at this point, we do not foresee
[33:53]
any provincial changes on the
[33:54]
horizon that we believe would
[33:55]
significantly affect the county
[33:56]
county's tax rate but there is
[33:58]
a potential factor to keep an eye
[34:00]
on which is the affordable renting subclass.
[34:05]
depending when and how it's implemented it could have a minor impact on the tax rate percentage but likely not a major one.
[34:11]
this depends of council chooses
[34:14]
to apply it and how many properties would be eligible.
[34:17]
overall, we are in a strong position with the balance and
[34:21]
responsible tax increase.
[34:22]
in summary, the 2026 council budget is sustainable.
[34:26]
it supports residence, protects
[34:28]
infrastructure and positions the
[34:29]
county to meet needs.
[34:30]
we will now move on to the departmental presentation where
[34:34]
each leader will provide details
[34:35]
on their 2026 budget.
[34:36]
>> any questions on the overview
[34:42]
overview?
[34:42]
seeing none.
[34:46]
there is a recommendation that
[34:53]
county council received the report budget overview, treasuries report as information
[35:00]
information, and that the 2026
[35:03]
budget package be received for
[35:05]
public deliberation.
[35:06]
looking for a mover and a seconder.
[35:08]
deputy warden deck and did by
[35:10]
councilor meloche.
[35:12]
any discussion?
[35:14]
all in favour?
[35:15]
I will ask you to vote electronically.
[35:17]
is there a question?
[35:28]
I'm going back to the same people every time because no one
[35:33]
is raising their hands.
[35:34]
we will see the same names written on the minutes.
[35:37]
thank you for recognizing that
[35:38]
.
[35:38]
I am asking those that raise their hands.
[35:47]
that is carried.
[36:15]
thank you.
[36:15]
that's quite the team at the table now.
[36:20]
we will begin with the departmental presentations.
[36:25]
first one up is the community
[36:28]
services residential services.
[36:28]
we have the director of legislative and legal services
[36:34]
.
[36:34]
we have the director of health
[36:37]
and community services at sun
[36:39]
parlor homes.
[36:39]
and our manager of community services here to present.
[36:42]
over to you, team.
[36:42]
>> thank you.
[36:45]
as council is well aware, the
[36:51]
council
[36:51]
council's community services division has been for the past
[36:53]
number of years house within the
[36:55]
legislative and legal services
[36:56]
department.
[36:57]
however, effective january first
[36:58]
january first, 2026, it will transition to the county health
[37:02]
and community services department.
[37:03]
this budget presentation as a
[37:07]
transition time with both myself
[37:08]
and the county director of health and community services
[37:11]
assisting with the presentation
[37:11]
of the community services budget
[37:13]
budget.
[37:13]
the bulk of today's presentation
[37:15]
presentation, as per usual, will
[37:17]
be handled by the county manager
[37:18]
of committee services.
[37:19]
county manager of community services.
[37:26]
>> good morning.
[37:27]
first and foremost, I want to
[37:29]
thank our fantastic finance team
[37:31]
for providing our small but mighty program throughout the
[37:40]
year.
[37:40]
so thank you, marcy, heidi and
[37:43]
terry who is now on maternity
[37:45]
leave.
[37:45]
the community services division
[37:49]
includes three main programs.
[37:50]
first, the residential services
[37:54]
homes program provides a financial subsidy for vulnerable
[37:58]
individuals placed in residential care homes, such as
[38:01]
retirement homes and lodging homes.
[38:02]
the county currently has a service agreement with nine homes throughout the county and
[38:09]
we support a total of 226 individuals within the program
[38:12]
.
[38:12]
secondly, the county has been
[38:19]
overseeing the operation of a
[38:22]
service delivery of various homelessness programs delivered
[38:24]
by the essex county homelessness
[38:25]
hub.
[38:25]
these programs include a drop
[38:30]
in day program where individuals
[38:32]
experiencing homelessness or at
[38:32]
risk of losing their housing can
[38:35]
access support and services to
[38:37]
either obtain housing or remain
[38:38]
housed.
[38:38]
in addition, the essex county
[38:43]
homelessness hub also began offering an overnight program
[38:47]
in july of 2025, to respond to an
[38:49]
increasing number of individuals
[38:51]
experiencing homelessness.
[38:52]
the county outreach services and
[39:00]
the county emergency shelter program also -- services also
[39:07]
provided to the essex county homelessness hub.
[39:09]
finally, the community services
[39:11]
department also includes the operational funding to support
[39:13]
12 affordable housing units for
[39:15]
youth and other vulnerable populations at the bridge in leamington.
[39:20]
the residential services homes
[39:28]
program has been experiencing
[39:29]
some challenges in the last several years.
[39:31]
with an increase of people experiencing homelessness, the
[39:35]
program has seen an evolving client base with complex needs
[39:40]
.
[39:40]
we are also seeing an increase
[39:42]
in demand for services which has
[39:44]
resulted in our program being
[39:46]
at capacity and having a wait-list
[39:47]
.
[39:47]
in addition, regional transportation continues to be
[39:52]
a barrier to ensure that the residents have access to health health care appointments within
[39:57]
the city and that's remains one
[40:02]
of our largest challenges.
[40:03]
further, we are experiencing a
[40:07]
lack of capacity in our program
[40:09]
, which leaves us with very little
[40:11]
room for contingency planning
[40:14]
or few options when addressing emergency situations in our communities.
[40:16]
in addition, the residential services home providers have identified significant financial
[40:26]
pressures which are a result of
[40:28]
an increase cost of food, utilities mortgages and staffing.
[40:30]
this also presents a recruitment
[40:35]
and retention challenge for the
[40:36]
homes as they are not able to
[40:38]
compete with other health care
[40:41]
agencies when hiring staff that
[40:42]
are in high demand professions
[40:44]
.
[40:44]
there has been a 30% increase
[40:53]
in usage year-over-year in all homelessness programs with the
[40:56]
exception of the emergency shelter program, which has supported the same amount of individuals as last year.
[41:02]
the essex county homelessness
[41:04]
hub has averaged 428 visits per
[41:09]
month with a total of just over
[41:13]
4800 visits from january first
[41:15]
to october 31st.
[41:16]
I should also note that since
[41:22]
the beginning of the program in
[41:23]
september of 2022, there has been a total of just over 13,500
[41:31]
visits at the essex county homelessness hub.
[41:32]
in addition, the essex county
[41:37]
homelessness hub has supported
[41:39]
45 individuals with finding housing in the same time frame
[41:42]
of first to october 31st.
[41:43]
the warming centre was operational last winter from december ninth to march 31st.
[41:50]
they received a total of 935 visits in this time frame.
[41:56]
on the other hand, the overnight
[42:01]
program which began its operation in july of 2025, received a total of 1545 visits
[42:09]
between july 21st and october
[42:10]
october 31st.
[42:10]
therefore, there has been a significant increase in the utilization of this program compared to last year.
[42:21]
the county outreach services program has supported 102 unique
[42:27]
individuals from january first
[42:28]
to october 31st, with a total
[42:31]
of 997 visits.
[42:31]
encampment tracking only started
[42:36]
on may first and the team has
[42:38]
intervened and supported a total
[42:40]
of 22 individuals in four different encampments.
[42:44]
at the time of gathering the information for this report, there were three active encampments in the county.
[42:53]
I should also note that encampments are defined as containing two or more content
[43:02]
or structures, therefore there
[43:04]
are many more areas where individuals are sleeping outside
[43:08]
but those are not considered official encampments.
[43:10]
the county emergency shelter motel program has also been busy
[43:17]
this year.
[43:18]
as I indicated before, this was
[43:22]
the program that did not see the
[43:26]
same overall 30% increase as the
[43:28]
other homelessness programs that was partially due to the
[43:32]
reduction in the bed's that we
[43:34]
have in that program.
[43:36]
if you remember, when we had the
[43:37]
program last year and the year
[43:41]
before we had four emergency
[43:47]
shelter beds situated at that
[43:48]
home.
[43:48]
since determination of the program we no longer have those
[43:52]
beds.
[43:52]
even though the number has remained the same, the number
[43:58]
of individuals served, the program
[43:59]
has been very busy up to october
[44:06]
20 -- october 31st, the program provided emergency
[44:09]
housing to 28 individuals, and
[44:12]
successfully found housing for
[44:13]
24 of those individuals.
[44:14]
the other people either left willingly or were referred to
[44:20]
another shelter that could best
[44:21]
meet their needs.
[44:22]
when needed, we have added an
[44:26]
additional motel room to accommodate emergencies.
[44:28]
in addition, the average length
[44:30]
of stay for this program was approximately 57 days.
[44:33]
and finally, we continually --
[44:37]
we continue to provide meals on meals on wheels and food carts
[44:39]
that we -- to people we support
[44:41]
in this program.
[44:41]
>> as council knows, the county
[44:45]
continues to advocate for increased funding from provincial and federal governments to address housing
[44:50]
and homelessness needs throughout the county.
[44:52]
in the meantime, continue to address a significant increase
[44:55]
in those sick -- those experiencing homelessness in the
[44:58]
county.
[44:58]
there's been a 30% increase in
[45:00]
those accessing support offered
[45:02]
by the county homelessness hub
[45:03]
.
[45:03]
aside from increased visits, homelessness has been more visible in the county this year
[45:07]
with the county having to address and cameron's for the
[45:11]
first time since 2025.
[45:12]
council recently approved the
[45:14]
regional affordable housing strategy which will hopefully
[45:16]
assist in addressing affordability issues.
[45:17]
as that strategy was recently
[45:20]
improved there are no cost to
[45:22]
the strategy included in the draft budget.
[45:25]
the county will use 2026 to consult with local myths of polities on a strategy and will
[45:30]
report back to council in the
[45:31]
months to come.
[45:32]
the overall budget for community
[45:38]
services is 3.7 million.
[45:40]
the bulk of the funds require
[45:42]
the county community service budget funded from provincial
[45:44]
dollars and to a lesser extent
[45:46]
federal dollars.
[45:47]
the county's 2026 budget is seeking an increase of just over
[45:51]
438,000 to be funded from the
[45:53]
county levy and that amount is
[45:54]
comprised of three items.
[45:55]
the first is for an operational
[45:58]
increase.
[45:58]
just over 20,000 required for
[46:01]
contractual increases in wages
[46:02]
and benefits.
[46:02]
the second is to support a per per diem increase to move the
[46:08]
per diem from $60 per day to $65
[46:11]
per day in residential services
[46:12]
homes program.
[46:12]
just over 300,000 is required
[46:15]
for that item.
[46:16]
contingent on the city
[46:19]
also approving the per diem budget increase in its budget.
[46:21]
finally, the third component of
[46:25]
that amount is being requested
[46:26]
in this budget for an overnight
[46:28]
program increase.
[46:28]
just over $110,000 required for
[46:32]
that item.
[46:33]
the county is receiving the bulk
[46:35]
of the funds required for the
[46:37]
overnight program for provincial
[46:38]
and federal dollars.
[46:38]
they will continue funding the
[46:41]
overnight program december 31 december 31st 2026, the county
[46:45]
contribution required is $110,000.
[46:46]
again, in 2026, the draft budget
[46:56]
before council seeks to support
[46:58]
maintaining county overnight program until december 21st 2026.
[47:00]
it seeks to support the county
[47:03]
residential services providers
[47:05]
in addressing inflationary pressures.
[47:06]
service levels can be maintained
[47:08]
and dig deeper into regional affordable housing strategy with
[47:10]
counties and local minutes of
[47:12]
polities.
[47:12]
they can eventually be made to
[47:14]
county council to advance the
[47:15]
strategy.
[47:15]
in 2026 the county will continue
[47:20]
to foster collaboration between
[47:22]
residential service providers,
[47:23]
other service providers and health care services for county
[47:26]
will continue to provide homelessness services to the the county homelessness hub, will continue to advocate levels
[47:31]
of government for additional funding to address homelessness
[47:33]
and to increase the number of
[47:36]
affordable housing units.
[47:36]
with that, we will now conclude
[47:39]
the presentation of the community services budget with
[47:41]
one of the success stories that
[47:42]
have come from her program.
[47:43]
>> thank you.
[47:44]
today, I am going to share lucy's story with all of you.
[47:52]
as usual, we afford privacy purposes.
[47:54]
lucy is a fabricated name for
[48:00]
this situation.
[48:00]
lucy is a senior who was experiencing homelessness in one
[48:05]
of our smaller county communities.
[48:09]
a concerned municipal leader contacted our department to seek
[48:13]
support for this person, as business owners and other concerned citizens were worried
[48:18]
about her.
[48:19]
the county outreach worker immediately attended the situation and assess the client
[48:26]
, who appeared to be extremely vulnerable.
[48:28]
the outreach worker then reached
[48:32]
out to the community services
[48:34]
team and together, they worked
[48:37]
with one of our residential services home providers, who assessed this vulnerable individual the same day and opened up an additional bed in
[48:47]
his home for her.
[48:48]
it turns out that this person
[48:54]
had not received regular health health care in years, and her
[48:57]
health card was 20 years expired
[48:59]
expired.
[48:59]
to complicate things, she was
[49:01]
being financially taken advantage of, and although she
[49:06]
received a decent income, she
[49:08]
didn't have access to it.
[49:09]
fast forward three months, lucy
[49:12]
is thriving in a retirement home
[49:16]
home.
[49:16]
she is receiving regular health health care and she has been
[49:20]
assigned a public guardian to
[49:22]
manage her finances, to avoid
[49:23]
any further financial abuse.
[49:24]
she claims that she has never
[49:27]
been happier and she is living
[49:29]
her best life.
[49:29]
thank you.
[49:30]
>> thank you.
[49:34]
>> with that, we are happy to
[49:39]
answer any questions.
[49:40]
>> are there any questions regarding community services residential homes services homes
[49:47]
2026 widget estimates?
[49:47]
start with councilor deyong.
[49:49]
>> I think you mentioned something and I'm hoping you
[49:57]
can give more details, our homelessness funding program has
[50:02]
doubled since 2024.
[50:03]
most of that is this year.
[50:05]
I think is 300,000 increase, the
[50:06]
homelessness program line.
[50:08]
do you want the line number?
[50:09]
5112.
[50:09]
I think you said something in
[50:16]
your comments about the $300,000 $300,000.
[50:19]
I'm wondering if you can let us
[50:20]
-- what the increases.
[50:24]
in 2024, it was 429.
[50:26]
it went up to six.
[50:28]
this year it is almost nine.
[50:29]
>> with the provincial dollars
[50:36]
that we received from the city
[50:38]
, they give us a pot of money and
[50:40]
it goes in between, in and out
[50:43]
of line.
[50:43]
I believe, and I didn't look as
[50:45]
you were speaking, but if you
[50:47]
notice you will notice an offset at another line.
[50:50]
there is a residential services
[50:51]
home.
[50:51]
how they calculate that has changed.
[50:52]
but they shifted dollars elsewhere.
[50:56]
for this year, for example, we
[50:57]
have to regroup and thought an
[51:01]
outreach worker would be better
[51:03]
.
[51:03]
so it just goes to another line
[51:04]
.
[51:04]
but we have had the same pot of
[51:06]
money from 2024 and 2025.
[51:08]
they are saying it will be the
[51:10]
same for 2026.
[51:11]
>> I think you are talking about
[51:16]
the transitional relocation costs which is the line above
[51:18]
.
[51:18]
so we are still talking $100,000
[51:20]
difference.
[51:20]
>> no, it is the residential services homes per diem and the
[51:29]
homelessness program.
[51:29]
the transitional relocation costs are funded dollars for the
[51:35]
transition.
[51:35]
it is still $100,000 difference
[51:39]
.
[51:39]
down 200,000 on five 1:30.
[51:56]
but up 300,000 on five '01 two.
[51:58]
50 1:30 5102.
[52:05]
>> as we do the math I can confirm the provincial dollars
[52:09]
receive has not changed.
[52:10]
we will work on the mass of that
[52:14]
but I can confirm that the city
[52:15]
has not given us any additional
[52:18]
provincial dollars.
[52:18]
>> further?
[52:23]
>> I guess I music my old budget
[52:27]
to look at what was levy versus
[52:30]
reserve funding, which I wish
[52:32]
was on this year's budget because I think it's really helpful to know what's impacting
[52:37]
the tax rate at the end of the
[52:39]
day.
[52:39]
that's what we are here for, and
[52:41]
it's not on this budget.
[52:42]
I brought my old one to help with that.
[52:44]
in terms of the number I am asking for, and I do understand
[52:49]
you are putting the provincial
[52:50]
dollars in certain categories,
[52:51]
is it my understanding that this
[52:56]
has no impact on the tax rate
[52:58]
at all?
[52:58]
these dollars specifically that
[52:59]
I am talking about.
[53:00]
>> I can help.
[53:03]
in my presentation, I talked about -- let me find the notes
[53:10]
here.
[53:10]
the amount that would effect the
[53:14]
county levy for this year is just over $438,000.
[53:18]
that was broken down in those
[53:21]
three items.
[53:21]
one is 20,000 for contractual
[53:25]
increases wage and benefits, the
[53:26]
second is the per diem increase
[53:28]
that the city is bringing in their budget, they've asked to
[53:33]
bring in ours.
[53:33]
that's just over $300,000.
[53:36]
and the overnight program, if
[53:37]
it goes to december 31st, in addition to provincial and federal funding, we would need
[53:42]
just over $110,000 in county funding.
[53:44]
that's a total of 438,000.
[53:46]
that is more than what was asked
[53:48]
for last year.
[53:49]
if that helps.
[53:49]
>> the 300 I heard was for the
[53:56]
per diem which I'm glad to see
[53:57]
.
[53:57]
I think that is really necessary
[53:59]
necessary.
[53:59]
to go back to the lines I am talking about, specifically the
[54:03]
homelessness programs and the
[54:06]
residential service -- now you
[54:10]
said service home for pdm is a
[54:12]
tax increase.
[54:12]
I am confused.
[54:13]
you said it's provincial dollars
[54:14]
dollars.
[54:14]
>> the first $60 would be provincial dollars.
[54:20]
we are trying to top that up with the additional five dollars
[54:24]
to make it sustainable.
[54:25]
the five-dollar increase is where you see the levy contribution.
[54:28]
it is our county dollars.
[54:30]
$309,000 for the residential home increase is a levy and it
[54:36]
does affect the tax rate.
[54:37]
as well as the overnight program
[54:39]
program.
[54:39]
we are doing what we can with
[54:42]
the provincial dollars to open
[54:44]
it as many days as we possibly
[54:46]
can.
[54:47]
however, there is a shortfall
[54:48]
of we want to run a 306 to five days a year.
[54:51]
that will be -- that will affect
[54:52]
the levy and that is just over
[54:54]
$110,000 that increase there.
[54:57]
>> I am finding this quite confusing.
[55:06]
the homelessness program is increased by 300,000 but our per per diem which we know is impacting the levy, shows in production.
[55:12]
so this is very confusing to me
[55:14]
.
[55:14]
I will just trust that what you
[55:17]
are saying makes sense because
[55:18]
it doesn't make sense on my piece of paper that shows the
[55:21]
per diem cost from 2025 going
[55:23]
down even though we are increasing it.
[55:25]
but the homelessness program which is provincially funded is
[55:29]
going up at the funding dollars
[55:30]
haven't changed.
[55:31]
so I'm a little confused.
[55:32]
but I will move on.
[55:33]
>> anyone else?
[55:38]
councilor bailey.
[55:47]
>> this is tough work not only
[55:49]
putting the budget together but
[55:50]
the work that you do.
[55:52]
I want to thank you for sharing
[55:54]
the story about lucy and all of
[55:56]
the work that gets done with our
[55:57]
vulnerable populations.
[55:58]
I also want to thank you for what appears to be a conservative lens on a very difficult subject, recognizing
[56:04]
that really this is a maintenance of level of service
[56:08]
and some continuation around --
[56:09]
the five-dollar per diem increase I am very pleased to
[56:16]
see.
[56:16]
I assume the city will also be
[56:21]
tabling that within their budget
[56:23]
for their discussions.
[56:24]
I am wondering whether or not
[56:26]
the five dollars that we will
[56:31]
love the as a result will be transferred to the service manager from the county to the
[56:36]
city, the additional five dollars.
[56:37]
I'm also wondering whether or
[56:42]
not this could be brought back
[56:43]
if the city fails to match my
[56:45]
-- my anticipation and hope is that
[56:46]
they will.
[56:47]
I'm sure they will.
[56:49]
but whether or not this could
[56:50]
be brought back for consideration
[56:51]
should the city not choose to
[56:53]
match.
[56:53]
also, I'm happy to table the motion contained here when you
[56:57]
are ready.
[56:58]
>> through wharton, thank you
[57:07]
for your question and thank you
[57:08]
for your positive feedback.
[57:09]
we certainly appreciated.
[57:10]
as for the potential per diem
[57:14]
increase how the funding works
[57:18]
, the city gives the county the
[57:20]
money to cover the entire per per diem.
[57:21]
we would just be complementing
[57:24]
what they are already giving us
[57:25]
, and then they would be pulling
[57:29]
, hopefully from there municipal
[57:32]
dollars to complement the total
[57:34]
amount for the city homes.
[57:36]
I hope that answers your question.
[57:37]
>> I should also add, the 65-dollar per diem is not solely
[57:44]
funded by provincial dollars and
[57:47]
county dollars.
[57:48]
it is also income that the residents themselves may earn,
[57:51]
whether it's pension income or
[57:53]
disability income.
[57:53]
>> thank you.
[57:56]
councilor bondy.
[57:56]
>> thank you, warden.
[58:01]
I want to thank you for everything you do.
[58:03]
this is a question that I have
[58:04]
today.
[58:05]
you may not have the answer today.
[58:07]
if you have to follow up by email I understand.
[58:09]
the 226 beds, how long have we
[58:12]
had 226 bed?
[58:13]
does that grow at all with the
[58:16]
needs the demand for need?
[58:17]
and then I have a couple of other questions.
[58:21]
but I'm looking to see, do we
[58:23]
have did we have 226 beds 10 years ago?
[58:26]
are we looking to grow more beds
[58:27]
beds?
[58:27]
the housing issues aren't going
[58:29]
to go away.
[58:30]
maybe we need to have a discussion going to 240 beds in
[58:36]
the future, 250 beds.
[58:37]
I don't know if you can answer
[58:39]
that.
[58:39]
and then I have a couple of other statements.
[58:41]
>> thank you for the question.
[58:44]
for at least 10 years, we have
[58:49]
had 226 beds.
[58:50]
that number is determined by the
[58:57]
service manager.
[58:58]
so they allocate funding to a
[59:00]
total number of beds for the region.
[59:02]
the county portion of those beds
[59:04]
are 226.
[59:04]
>> thank you.
[59:08]
226 beds for 10 years.
[59:11]
that is not keeping up with inflation of the need in the the county of essex.
[59:18]
my next question is, I believe
[59:20]
a couple of council meetings ago
[59:22]
, maybe three innings ago, we sent
[59:24]
a letter to the city of windsor
[59:26]
asking them to meet on this.
[59:27]
unfortunately, we didn't get to
[59:29]
meet on anything.
[59:30]
unity service, social service,
[59:31]
before this budget.
[59:33]
do you know if that letter has
[59:34]
been received by the city, and
[59:36]
if the city is going to
[59:38]
come to the table and talk about our fair share of services?
[59:41]
>> we've got an email acknowledging they have received
[59:46]
the letter but there has been
[59:47]
no formal response to date.
[59:48]
>> thank you.
[59:49]
I will just go on public record
[59:55]
again saying that the city really needs to start having a
[59:57]
conversation with the county.
[59:58]
if it's not county council, it
[1:00:01]
needs to be county administration.
[1:00:04]
part of our strategic goal is
[1:00:06]
looking at how we can get our
[1:00:08]
fair share.
[1:00:08]
we are not getting our fair share.
[1:00:10]
226 beds for 10 years, having
[1:00:13]
no growth in those beds in the county when we have needs.
[1:00:15]
we have encampments as well.
[1:00:18]
my last comment is I don't --
[1:00:20]
this is really good information
[1:00:21]
I got a little bit emotional but
[1:00:23]
I don't want to wait until 2027
[1:00:25]
to get more data on this particular topic.
[1:00:27]
I actually think, we were just
[1:00:31]
at our police service board, we
[1:00:32]
added at our police service board homeless and can't mince
[1:00:36]
into the strategic plan.
[1:00:37]
homeless issues into the strategic plan at the opp board
[1:00:40]
north.
[1:00:40]
we need to be on this issue.
[1:00:43]
as elected officials, I would
[1:00:45]
like to be informed on this issue either quarterly or every
[1:00:48]
three months.
[1:00:48]
we need to not let this get worse and worse and worse.
[1:00:53]
we need to be very vocalwe need to be very vocal to the
[1:00:57]
upper levels of government and
[1:00:58]
the city of windsor that the status quo is not acceptable and we're only as good as our most vulnerable people.
[1:01:04]
we have many loose in our community and if they are doing poorly we are failing. I want to thank you for all your work you are doing.
[1:01:12]
thank you.
[1:01:14]
>> councillor rogers. >> thank you and through you, great work that everybody is doing.
[1:01:20]
I'm -- it makes a big ball you're moving worth it.
[1:01:30]
there's federal funding
[1:01:31]
there.
[1:01:32]
about 100,000 or so up there.
[1:01:33]
is this guaranteed funding moving into the future the first foresee a top up that's continually happening or is this top up now what's guaranteeing
[1:01:44]
the current service we have through the next year when we
[1:01:47]
see future budgets.
[1:01:47]
>> it doesn't directly align with the county budget process
[1:02:00]
it's through year end.
[1:02:01]
the dollars we are seeking through december 31st, 2026.
[1:02:05]
I believe that's correct.
[1:02:06]
each year the city tells us what her allocation from the provincial and federal dollars on behalf of the region is and
[1:02:15]
that dollar figure was the same last years it is this year.
[1:02:18]
there's no indication of any increase or decrease -- I can't really tell you about that.
[1:02:25]
>> think you further. If I could just expand on that hypothetically if the funding is
[1:02:34]
the same for next year, next budget we've already banked in
[1:02:38]
that increase so theoretically
[1:02:39]
there should be no increase in less funds or cut. Is that how I understand it?
[1:02:42]
>> through you I just want to
[1:02:51]
comment on the cost of doing the
[1:02:54]
service.
[1:02:54]
this is the cost of $2026 so that's just one comment the expenses of doing the program might continue to increase which we might have to cover unless the provincial funding also increases.
[1:03:07]
there's also 70,000 home funding
[1:03:13]
which is a federal funding that
[1:03:14]
covers this.
[1:03:14]
that's only confirmed until 2028 2028.
[1:03:21]
so that's also a potential where there's 70,000 right now helping us find that program, that potentially might not be there in the future.
[1:03:27]
>> thank you very much, I appreciated.
[1:03:36]
in terms of the 2026 beds -- 226 beds we've had that number the
[1:03:41]
last ten years and there is need growing out in the community.
[1:03:46]
I'm happy to see the 5-dollar increase for the per diem and those different service levels
[1:03:56]
but I want to drill home the point before we expand beds to ensure we are taking care of those 226 to ensure the service
[1:04:06]
providers -- have the funding
[1:04:15]
and resources they need to ensure were taking care of our most vulnerable before you look
[1:04:18]
at bringing that number up at
[1:04:21]
all.
[1:04:21]
I'm a firm believer we have to
[1:04:22]
take care of our own house before we look outside and I think in terms of expanding that that, I don't think a conversation with the city -- I think that's our conversation
[1:04:31]
with the province so to me that's the bigger conversation
[1:04:36]
. Supportive of this and I will be
[1:04:40]
your second or whenever you are ready.
[1:04:40]
thank you.
[1:04:42]
>> thank you.
[1:04:43]
councillor. >> through you just a quick question on encampments and the cost.
[1:04:52]
I understand encampments and there must be a number of different budget lines attached
[1:04:56]
you break them up -- that's all I need to know.
[1:05:02]
>> through you the county directly dealt with one this year I believe it was broken up in
[1:05:15]
a variety of different budget lines as we have different departments dealing with it.
[1:05:17]
a legal services on-site and for
[1:05:25]
cleanup cost afterwards and assisted the locals as well
[1:05:27]
an encampment in the county of
[1:05:51]
essex true cost is to taxpayers
[1:05:53]
thank you.
[1:05:55]
>> thank you. Councillor >> thank you through you I only have one question -- were seeing
[1:06:03]
226 in the county and it's been like that for ten years.
[1:06:07]
it's determined by the service manager which is the city.
[1:06:09]
do we ever review that?
[1:06:13]
obviously in the past ten years
[1:06:13]
the county has grown quite a bit
[1:06:16]
and we have the same issues now the county and in the city centre.
[1:06:21]
at what point do we review the allocations between the city and county or are we part of that discussion?
[1:06:26]
>> my understanding is when the program was instituted the city
[1:06:40]
itself and the 226 beds in the county and that number remains
[1:06:44]
-- it just remain static.
[1:06:51]
it certainly conversation we could have with administration
[1:06:52]
if council wants us to.
[1:06:56]
>> anyone else? I'm going to read the recommendations.
[1:07:02]
-- I'm giving everybody two looks around because get your hands up early or you're going
[1:07:13]
to get missed.
[1:07:14]
>> just for some clarification
[1:07:17]
as well when we make references
[1:07:17]
the overall proposed for the 26 budget and we look at net of recoveries.
[1:07:25]
the total of 1.2 million is an increased -- they make reference
[1:07:32]
stated from 2025 budget 760 --
[1:07:38]
...
[1:07:38]
so I can understand is these numbers are needed are we referring to the city there's an
[1:08:03]
increase here we're looking more
[1:08:04]
money for them? To help. >> through you ward and we definitely communicated team have communicated that on
[1:08:10]
Several
[1:08:15]
definitely communicated team have communicated that on
[1:08:15]
Several occasions that we obviously need this service on
[1:08:20]
where always looking for
[1:08:20]
Additional provincial
[1:08:22]
where always looking for
[1:08:22]
Additional provincial dollars.
[1:08:22]
we've fought in other years and
[1:08:26]
if there's ever any surpluses, they've been good at allowing
[1:08:30]
us to shift the surplus dollars somewhere else.
[1:08:33]
however they typically don't know if there's any service dollars until closer to the end of march.
[1:08:35]
but they do know we have a need and are using additional municipal dollars to continue
[1:08:42]
With
[1:08:44]
and are using additional municipal dollars to continue
[1:08:44]
With these programs.
[1:08:44]
if there's any additional or federal dollars...
[1:08:51]
>> so through you those dollars are actually at risk.
[1:08:56]
>> three u. I believe I highlighted that as a risk so the budget will not be approved until the end of january so there's a risk with that.
[1:09:08]
they've confirmed it's a best
[1:09:12]
estimate at this time and that's
[1:09:13]
what we gave in our budget.
[1:09:13]
>> okay and any reference to the
[1:09:19]
mention of federal dollars I think was -- those again our dollars that had the flow-through the service manage -- manager of the city?
[1:09:35]
>> that's correct. Further reaching home and it can
[1:09:38]
be added if she would like.
[1:09:39]
there's a committee that decides
[1:09:40]
what to do with those dollars
[1:09:42]
so it's a bit different than the other provincial dollars but they've allocated 70,000. >> I guess my question would be
[1:09:55]
to administration then if those dollars that are at risk and obviously you've heard around
[1:10:02]
the table in terms of the requirements we are seeing obviously homelessness is becoming a critical issue for
[1:10:09]
u us.
[1:10:09]
we've seen the encampments.
[1:10:11]
now even our own municipality
[1:10:13]
we are faced with an encampment rate as we speak.
[1:10:15]
so I'm glad to see administration will continue to
[1:10:24]
dedicate funding who us.
[1:10:28]
obviously I don't know if it will be contravening the
[1:10:33]
arrangement, the signed agreement that we have that the
[1:10:38]
city as a service provider and
[1:10:38]
so forth.
[1:10:40]
but will administration come back to us?
[1:10:44]
I'm sure you will in terms of making up the difference because
[1:10:47]
obviously there is a requirement
[1:10:51]
requirement.
[1:10:51]
there's a huge requirement that's there and if those
[1:10:54]
dollars are direct risk -- the reserve fund that we have. >> through you those dollars are for the capital, the social housing capitals what the reserve was intended to support
[1:11:12]
if it does come to that we would definitely come back to council at that time depending on the dollar value of what we would
[1:11:20]
need to compensate for.
[1:11:20]
we would have to make the decision at that time but it would have to come to council
[1:11:28]
if there were additional dollars required for this >> and finally I think it's very important and I know we keep pushing back the meeting with
[1:11:37]
the city and so forth but I think it's critical we are at the crossroads here in terms of requirements in particular in
[1:11:49]
25 years working on the same agreement there needs to be improvements.
[1:11:52]
>> thank you.
[1:11:57]
anybody else?
[1:11:57]
I'm going to read the recommendation.
[1:12:04]
there's a recommendation before council that the presentation
[1:12:07]
for the proposed 2026 community services residential services budget be received and further the 2026 budget estimates community services residential
[1:12:13]
Services
[1:12:17]
the 2026 budget estimates community services residential
[1:12:17]
Services be received or received and approved.
[1:12:20]
I'm looking to you councillor
[1:12:21]
bailey.
[1:12:21]
>> a question if I could.
[1:12:26]
would you preferred to be a separate motion or integrated into this one?
[1:12:30]
I'd like to see the 5-dollar increase per diem forward subject to the city matching that I think it's really essential at a time when we're talking about partnership that we are lockstep.
[1:12:40]
that's our intention --
[1:12:44]
>> I will look to the madam clerk.
[1:12:45]
>> could amend that wording provided that the city of windsor increase by $5 as well
[1:12:55]
>> madame morden, may I speak to this motion because it's changed a little?
[1:13:06]
>> I wanted to wait to get it
[1:13:11]
up on the board if you don't mind just so we have a clearly in front of us.
[1:13:26]
the revised motion should be in
[1:13:31]
your screens.
[1:13:31]
>> first I will look to the mover.
[1:13:37]
you are good with the rewording
[1:13:37]
then we will get a second or.
[1:13:42]
you are good with that madame councillor?
[1:13:51]
seconded by councillor rogers.
[1:13:55]
I will open the floor to you councillor bailey.
[1:14:01]
bondy. Too many bees here. >> thank you.
[1:14:07]
I will be supporting the motion
[1:14:09]
. My worry is let's say the city
[1:14:11]
of windsor does not and we want
[1:14:11]
to because we realize maybe it's more expensive to provide services in the county because
[1:14:18]
we are rural and people have to
[1:14:19]
drive father -- further and all that stuff.
[1:14:23]
would it be a reconsideration
[1:14:25]
vote if it has to come back?
[1:14:26]
I'm worried if the city does not supported them our folks are just left hanging. That's my only worry.
[1:14:33]
>> a new motion would have to be brought to provide a standalone
[1:14:43]
5-dollar increase on behalf of the county.
[1:14:43]
anyone else? Councillor rogers query. >> thank you enter you again maybe a little more clarification.
[1:14:53]
if and when the city makes their decision and if and when they
[1:14:58]
are opposed either way they land on it, is that a discussion that
[1:15:02]
will come forward as an update from administration for us to
[1:15:04]
be able to make the motion?
[1:15:06]
knowing the process it's not going to have to be a notice of motion.
[1:15:09]
were going to have that within the agenda as an update on be able to have the discussion at
[1:15:15]
that time.
[1:15:16]
>> through you ward and, administration will return with results of the budgeting process
[1:15:20]
to confirm either way the decision.
[1:15:21]
>> any further questions then?
[1:15:25]
seeing none, councillor bondy did you have further comment?
[1:15:28]
you see my dilemma, right?
[1:15:35]
trying to make sure of got everybody covered and also be
[1:15:38]
quick devote.
[1:15:41]
asking to vote electronically,
[1:15:41]
please.
[1:15:42]
and that's carried. Thank you.
[1:15:54]
team.
[1:15:56]
next up is the sun par lindholm.
[1:16:03]
for the report we have natasha she learned -- here to present
[1:16:08]
this is a first for you.
[1:16:14]
don't be nervous, nobody bites
[1:16:16]
here.
[1:16:16]
At
[1:16:17]
here.
[1:16:17]
At least not -- they're just little.
[1:16:18]
>> thank you ward and to council council.
[1:16:23]
Good morning, everyone.
[1:16:23]
presenting the 2026 budget I'd like to start off with some thank youse to the finance team as well as leadership team across the board as the warden
[1:16:36]
mention this is my first year presenting.
[1:16:36]
bear with me as I make my way through the presentation.
[1:16:44]
the mission statement before you won't be unfamiliar.
[1:16:50]
many of you have seen this before and prior presentations
[1:16:52]
presentations...
[1:16:52]
This continues to
[1:17:00]
presentations...
[1:17:00]
This continues to serve as the fundamental service of the home.
[1:17:05]
it guides our actions and goals
[1:17:06]
. At sun pilar we envision a high-performing vibrant home that welcomes diversity across
[1:17:09]
Staff
[1:17:14]
high-performing vibrant home that welcomes diversity across
[1:17:14]
Staff and residents.
[1:17:15]
empowering to foster meaningful
[1:17:20]
relationships based on compassion innovation and dignity that creates an environment where people want
[1:17:26]
to live and work.
[1:17:28]
where residents experience excellent quality of life and care built on shared values.
[1:17:30]
the budget before you today addresses changing aging demographic which continues to
[1:17:39]
increase in complexity and acuity.
[1:17:42]
however this budget proposed to you today seeks to meet the needs across that continuum of
[1:17:46]
care while running a home that
[1:17:50]
everybody across the county of
[1:17:51]
essex can be proud of.
[1:17:51]
the remainder of the presentation is broken down by departments within the home.
[1:17:59]
as you can see the overall increase of approximately 620,000 relates to both nonunion
[1:18:07]
and contractual wage increases
[1:18:09]
and wage benefits as well.
[1:18:12]
there's an increased ongoing replacement of it equipment, laptops, smart phones, et cetera
[1:18:21]
cetera.
[1:18:21]
there were rolls previously aligned to the sun parlour budget so now we are seeing --
[1:18:30]
that were previously aligned to
[1:18:32]
various departmental budgets.
[1:18:33]
for example, we are now seeing
[1:18:36]
hr resources to the sun par lindholm budget and expense within the sun parlour home budget before you here today.
[1:18:40]
next up we turn to nursing and
[1:18:47]
personal care.
[1:18:47]
the biggest difference here within sun parlour home the budget last year was around $8 million while the projection
[1:19:00]
notes and overspend we're expecting to maintain a balanced
[1:19:03]
budget due to an increase in ministry funding that we have
[1:19:06]
received.
[1:19:06]
Going into
[1:19:06]
received.
[1:19:06]
Going into 2026 you will notice
[1:19:10]
a decreased budget reflected down by approximately $1 million as we continue to see increased support from the province.
[1:19:14]
we had the four hours of care target set by the ministry which is also supported by levy funding.
[1:19:23]
the budget is designed to deliver exemplary care and services.
[1:19:27]
we are also welcoming our new director of care and an anticipated nurse practitioners
[1:19:34]
so we can better understand the opportunities we have and increase the quality of care and experience for residents at sun parlor home.
[1:19:41]
a few other key considerations
[1:19:47]
you want to note is increased
[1:19:51]
cost related to membership fees
[1:19:51]
specific to our rn group.
[1:19:52]
we are now paying for annual college memberships and contractual obligations for our staff.
[1:19:58]
next up we turn to life enrichment.
[1:20:04]
it's comprised of recreation aids and physiotherapy assistance It promotes the health and well-being of residents through engagement, wellness activity and ultimately contributes towards healthy happy residents.
[1:20:22]
with a high quality of life --
[1:20:28]
approximately 140,000 in this
[1:20:32]
increase is directly related to
[1:20:34]
support for recreation aids as well as union contractual wage
[1:20:40]
increases and purchase service increases for physiotherapy.
[1:20:57]
you will see an increase here based solely on contractual -- contractual wage increases and cost related to food.
[1:21:05]
the increase around 23,000 is
[1:21:19]
directly related to contractual
[1:21:19]
Wage
[1:21:19]
directly related to contractual
[1:21:19]
Wage increases in inflationary cost.
[1:21:19]
were seeing an increase attributing to our contractual
[1:21:30]
wage increases and inflationary
[1:21:32]
costs related to supplies for this department.
[1:21:45]
we are also seeing an increase
[1:21:47]
in related to external contracts
[1:21:55]
that are rising with inflation
[1:21:57]
as well.
[1:21:58]
and we continue with many items across the home to replace based
[1:22:04]
on life expectancy and lifecycle of those items.
[1:22:05]
when we look at our other capital line here the bulk of the budget is reserved bonded.
[1:22:15]
however we are spending less in
[1:22:19]
2026.
[1:22:19]
That
[1:22:21]
2026.
[1:22:21]
That being said we ultimately need to make some decisions around capital costs related to renovations or investments in
[1:22:30]
new building which will be further supported by a feasibility study we are concluding in 2026.
[1:22:35]
there will be recommendations coming to council once that study is concluded.
[1:22:41]
in summary the overall 2026 budget for sun parlor home net recoveries totals around 14 million.
[1:22:51]
this is a 0 percent increase over the 2025 budget which is reflective of ministry funding enhancements and leveraging provincially funded grants on investments to enhance or quality of care as and when they become available.
[1:23:04]
as we look forward to 2026 and
[1:23:10]
the initiatives outlined on the slide here before you we will
[1:23:15]
see there's a few key priorities
[1:23:16]
that ensure we maintain building
[1:23:16]
standards regulations and enhanced functionality across
[1:23:25]
very old home.
[1:23:25]
our focus is on the quality of
[1:23:28]
life for residents we are surveying while maintaining that
[1:23:29]
Aging
[1:23:31]
life for residents we are surveying while maintaining that
[1:23:31]
Aging infrastructure.
[1:23:31]
with that I will conclude and welcome any questions or comments from council.
[1:23:38]
thank you.
[1:23:39]
>> thank you, well done.
[1:23:43]
we will start with you councillor rogers. >> thank you and through you I can tell you we appreciate the leadership and I think were headed in the right direction
[1:23:53]
so thank you for that.
[1:23:53]
I know we have a feasibility study coming.
[1:23:56]
big elephant in the room with this building and a lifecycle
[1:24:00]
decision to make. Maybe a couple of questions.
[1:24:02]
one is do we have any idea how much it costs to renovate per room?
[1:24:08]
>> through you the last item we have on that I believe was grey county That was constructed a couple
[1:24:21]
of years ago I believe now. That was $500,000 per bed. >> big number.
[1:24:27]
and just in terms of lifecycle of the whole facility do we have
[1:24:32]
any idea what that date is?
[1:24:36]
approximately.
[1:24:36]
won't hold you in stone. >> through you, warden we have a
[1:24:48]
50 year replacement cycle on the
[1:24:48]
building However it's a little unique when we have these standards we have to meet as well.
[1:24:55]
it's not just the building, it's meeting up to these different
[1:24:59]
standards typically.
[1:25:00]
so just have to keep that in mind as well. >> thank you and final question
[1:25:04]
, how much do we have in the bank
[1:25:07]
allocated towards facility total
[1:25:07]
Facility
[1:25:09]
allocated towards facility total
[1:25:09]
Facility replacement?
[1:25:09]
>> through you, ward in.
[1:25:17]
that's incorporated into our capital.
[1:25:19]
and capitol we have it split out
[1:25:21]
in there and I know we've been saving as much as we can and I
[1:25:25]
do think we have -- I believe
[1:25:27]
it's about 30 million saved. However I will get back to you to confirm that but I do know
[1:25:35]
anytime we can, we're talking
[1:25:36]
a way money there and knowing in the future we are going to do something.
[1:25:38]
>> thank you and final one now that big number in the future,
[1:25:44]
what is it?
[1:25:44]
won't hold you to it but an estimate We have to save $100 million for a new hospital.
[1:25:52]
it's a billion-dollar hospital a couple of years ago.
[1:25:56]
>> I will speak and not provide
[1:26:02]
a number with the feasibility
[1:26:04]
study being done to give us the numbers, to give council a good indicator of what that will look like but on that, natasha will add >> thank you.
[1:26:16]
one other piece I would -- a slight peace of mind if I may is the ministry supplemental support for rebuilds and redevelopments it's at an all-time high.
[1:26:26]
so I guess what I might offer is the 85 percent support from the ministry may give us a bit of
[1:26:37]
a competitive advantage over what municipal partners would exceed.
[1:26:40]
while we do not have the specifics here today I think it's an opportune time to be having these conversations and
[1:26:50]
certainly appreciated we don't have specifics here but we will come back with those >> I appreciated and I'm definitely jumping the gun soy assume that study again will provide the number of beds as well as look at possible expansion as well.
[1:27:03]
>> I think a key component of the feasibility study looks at population growth and how we compared to the broader windsor essex community for sure. >> thank you.
[1:27:16]
>> anyone else?
[1:27:16]
there is a recommendation for
[1:27:28]
the proposed 2026 sun parlor budget be received and that the 2026 budget estimates be received or received and approved Looking to council for your wishes.
[1:27:37]
councillor prove. received and approved?
[1:27:42]
>> yes, please. >> thank you.
[1:27:46]
seconded by councillor deyong.
[1:27:54]
any discussion.
[1:27:55]
I will ask you to vote electronically please.
[1:28:09]
and that's carried.
[1:28:23]
thank you.
[1:28:25]
and that's carried. I did say that?
[1:28:29]
it's 10:27 so I would ask for a
[1:28:36]
motion to recess for 15 minute
[1:28:38]
break.
[1:28:38]
that motion is essex county councillor recess until -- let's just make it 10:45.
[1:28:50]
moved by councillor meloche, seconded by councillor akpata.
[1:28:54]
all in favour of recess?
[1:28:54]
that's carried.
[1:28:57]
thank you.
[1:29:19]
>> are 15 minutes have passed rather quickly so we're ready to
[1:47:33]
resume our budget deliberations. Next up we have our chief of essex windsor emergency medical services here to provide presentation regarding the ems
[1:47:46]
2026 budget.
[1:47:47]
just and, you are up. >> good morning and thank you.
[1:47:50]
I'm pleased to present the proposed 2026 ems departmental budget for consideration. The account -- is present... As well as speak to challenges and issued during development
[1:48:05]
of the 2026 budget.
[1:48:05]
presenting the budget and two components through the funding of each aspect. Versus medical services and the
[1:48:14]
second for volunteer care. For clarity emergency management
[1:48:19]
has been moved under -- over under the leadership of health and safety in human resources...
[1:48:25]
the chart on the screen is an overall total of expenditures
[1:48:31]
for -- I will address each section of the budget separately
[1:48:36]
separately.
[1:48:36]
In developing
[1:48:36]
separately.
[1:48:36]
In developing the 2026 budget we
[1:48:38]
reviewed the current upcoming priorities with a primary focus
[1:48:41]
on preparing for future growth, continuous quality improvement
[1:48:43]
, innovation and response times.
[1:48:46]
with that we will begin with the emergency medical services budget.
[1:48:52]
the proposed budget is 4.37 4.37 percent increase over the
[1:48:55]
2025 budget as it relates to expenditures on the county responsibility increases...
[1:49:01]
factors for the proposed budget
[1:49:07]
are eight paramedics including
[1:49:07]
12 hour shifts starting in june
[1:49:10]
june 2026.
[1:49:11]
one manager of physical resources to support infrastructure growth. Anticipated asset management replacement of vehicles.
[1:49:18]
improving the quality work we're
[1:49:19]
doing in planning for the future
[1:49:19]
future.
[1:49:19]
our funding is based on 50 50 percent of the prior year's
[1:49:25]
budget.
[1:49:25]
50 percent funded by the ministry of health and remaining
[1:49:29]
50 percent divided within the
[1:49:29]
Local
[1:49:30]
50 percent divided within the
[1:49:30]
Local municipal partners based
[1:49:33]
on weighted assessment.
[1:49:33]
it's estimated the weighted assessment will continue to increase the county's responsibility is development and growth continues to rise.
[1:49:38]
every year we conducted disciplinary budget to identify opportunities to reduce cost, reallocate resources more effectively and reinvest in areas that deliver the greatest
[1:49:53]
impact for operations We continue to advocate for system-level changes that reduce demand on 911 in the first place place.
[1:50:02]
we actively pursue innovative opportunities from new technologies to alternative care
[1:50:06]
pathways to deliver better patient outcomes while delivering cost and reducing pressure to front-line resources
[1:50:13]
resources.
[1:50:13]
The
[1:50:13]
resources.
[1:50:13]
The main system impact on our services call volumes.
[1:50:15]
you can see in the chart there's a couple projection lines based
[1:50:20]
on percentage increases.
[1:50:21]
for 2025 looking at 1.5 to 2 2 percent increase in responses we will no better when the years
[1:50:27]
concluded.
[1:50:27]
on the turkey only projection
[1:50:29]
line is 4 percent and 5 percent. I want to make a note that these slides in september where we were forecasting 4.3 percent increase We reviewed our numbers on with
[1:50:38]
q4 numbers being slightly lower
[1:50:40]
than previous at this moment will be under the master plan projection a 4.5 percent for 2025.
[1:50:45]
staffing levels we continue to focus on improving working conditions to ensure those were
[1:50:51]
working here want to stay here.
[1:50:54]
and engage in ongoing recruitment efforts locally and
[1:50:56]
across the province for individuals interested in coming
[1:50:59]
to work for essex windsor ems.
[1:50:59]
ambulance offload delays are occurring but magnitude has been reduced compared to previous years and I'm happy to tell you for the month of september and october and november of this year were down 32 percent compared to the same period of
[1:51:14]
time last year and were seeing
[1:51:15]
some movement.
[1:51:16]
that's 1267 staff ambulance hours back on her street.
[1:51:21]
two new 12 hour shifts in the
[1:51:27]
2026 budget through prebudget
[1:51:28]
approval the two new ambulances
[1:51:28]
have been ordered and within the
[1:51:31]
budget eight paramedics requested the operationalize let
[1:51:33]
him as you recall from director
[1:51:34]
of hr reporting to council on october 15th eight paramedics
[1:51:40]
were being requested and initially we asked for four primary care and four advanced
[1:51:45]
care paramedics.
[1:51:45]
since then we had discussions
[1:51:48]
with the 2974 executive and reversed a request for the four acp to convert them in to pcp. A total of 12 -- the reason for this is currently we have open spots on or scheduled without
[1:52:02]
working that spot it creates a
[1:52:05]
temporary full-time position which is unfavourable for part-time staff looking to go
[1:52:10]
permanent full-time. Understanding the paramedic positions are likely required
[1:52:13]
in the foreseeable future will continue to work with the union
[1:52:16]
executive to better strategize
[1:52:16]
on how to fill these spots and
[1:52:18]
if there's a time when individuals within the service
[1:52:21]
are qualified as advanced care paramedics we looked -- work to
[1:52:24]
-- through processes allocating percentage of her...
[1:52:27]
a manager fiscal resource position included beginning of the second quarter of 2026 which will support oversight investment facilities and equipment operations during timely efficient and accountable
[1:52:45]
project execution by focusing on
[1:52:47]
process management compliance
[1:52:48]
and preventative maintenance to
[1:52:49]
reduce bottlenecks strengthen infrastructure readiness and address findings from the 2024 ministry review.
[1:52:52]
In line
[1:52:55]
address findings from the 2024 ministry review.
[1:52:55]
In line with the 2024 master plan refresh the role will help
[1:53:00]
the service manager growing operational complexity and support future initiatives.
[1:53:02]
second human capital investment as additional services provided
[1:53:10]
by human resources generalist
[1:53:12]
within human resources to be shared with a long-term care home.
[1:53:14]
the position will provide essential hr support to essex
[1:53:19]
windsor ems by managing recruitment onboarding and compliance processes ensuring timely hiring and reducing risk through certifications on regulatory breaches. Delivering front-line guidance to supervisors and managers on
[1:53:31]
investigations and employee accommodations while strengthening return to work programs to improve both risk management and staff experience
[1:53:40]
by taking on these additional
[1:53:40]
Responsibilities
[1:53:42]
by taking on these additional
[1:53:42]
Responsibilities the role will free up the hr management focus
[1:53:45]
on strategic initiatives labour relations and long-term
[1:53:46]
Workforce
[1:53:47]
on strategic initiatives labour relations and long-term
[1:53:47]
Workforce planning.
[1:53:47]
some smaller budgetary impact
[1:53:52]
you will notice maintenance on
[1:53:53]
technical support is being requested for the installation
[1:53:56]
of ambulances The transition to ipads will save money and replacement cost is the previous technology laptops we're -- expensive.
[1:54:04]
the transition allows us to leverage more robust and accurate mapping software.
[1:54:09]
we've included slight budget line increases the support wellness initiatives public relations and stayton -- station management and repairs.
[1:54:18]
in 2026 we will plates seven ambulances one logistics vehicle and one administrative vehicle additionally as part of the capital plan ems will continue to move forward with the facilities project while our team manages the work funding
[1:54:32]
for the capital projects is reflected in the finance budget
[1:54:35]
as the county owns the assets.
[1:54:35]
I will switch over to community paramedics and for long-term care.
[1:54:41]
it's funded 100 percent by the ministry of long-term care and
[1:54:45]
as a component of integrated healthcare program. New this year the ministry of long-term care and outs funding would be made permanent and essex awaiting on the details
[1:54:55]
of the allocation before we proceed proceed.
[1:54:57]
the program is fully funded by the ministry of long-term care and there's no requirement for county funding.
[1:55:01]
this slide includes the positions that were tabled when we were working collaboratively with the county of essex due to the mandate for the levy increase.
[1:55:13]
These did
[1:55:16]
the mandate for the levy increase.
[1:55:16]
These did not make it but I will speak to each one of these as we
[1:55:18]
go through.
[1:55:20]
additional training hours expanding training hours for windsor essex for education that
[1:55:28]
insures adopting new protocols
[1:55:29]
such as training release and emergency department diversion
[1:55:33]
. Support special projects and teams and stay current with mandatory updates on best practices.
[1:55:36]
Investment support strengthening
[1:55:38]
mandatory updates on best practices.
[1:55:38]
Investment support strengthening
[1:55:38]
staff to leadership relationships fostering resilient teams and trauma informed care in the service for provincial reforms without additional hours remains capped
[1:55:51]
it's important to note eight of the hours we have are from training.
[1:55:51]
We
[1:55:55]
the hours we have are from training.
[1:55:55]
We have no control over the contents essentially the service
[1:55:57]
gets eight hours with the stop once per year.
[1:55:58]
with those eight hours it's going to force legislative and operational changes, wellness
[1:56:08]
on leadership and updates to compete for limited time.
[1:56:10]
we have the pds coming down in
[1:56:12]
2027.
[1:56:12]
We
[1:56:14]
2027.
[1:56:14]
We have new software rolling out
[1:56:15]
in 2026 that we need to train
[1:56:17]
on it It becomes difficult to make that happen.
[1:56:20]
it results in fragmented transfer and consistent practice and missed opportunities to safeguard staff well-being built leadership capacity and sustain long-term workforce stability.
[1:56:29]
The commander
[1:56:30]
capacity and sustain long-term workforce stability.
[1:56:30]
The commander of operations introducing capacity with an operations department to strengthen operational performance by creating oversight deployment efficiency
[1:56:40]
and realtime issue resolution.
[1:56:41]
it'll also enhance staff engagement through increased
[1:56:41]
Leadership
[1:56:44]
it'll also enhance staff engagement through increased
[1:56:44]
Leadership presence on mentor ship which builds greater resiliency for date -- daily operational issues, large-scale
[1:56:51]
incidents and ensures consistent application of policies across the service.
[1:56:54]
without the position the deputy chief and front-line management
[1:56:57]
team will continue to remain somewhat a reactive posture with difficulties in proactive planning result will be ongoing performance gaps and consistent oversight and limited readiness to meet the strategic priorities
[1:57:08]
priorities.
[1:57:08]
communications officers, I'm going to speak to this inside of legislative and legal services
[1:57:16]
under david's department coming
[1:57:17]
from essex windsor ems in establishing a dedicated communications resource will significantly strengthen public
[1:57:27]
education safety and engagement
[1:57:28]
while providing a reliable framework for launching community programs such as our community education.
[1:57:34]
this role will continue to build ems specific brand awareness,
[1:57:39]
promote recruitment and retention and enhance county and
[1:57:42]
ems reputation through consistent messaging and evidence-based outreach. Boosting our social media presence particularly video content and collaboration with stakeholders the position is anticipated to improve recognition community trust and
[1:57:56]
without approval ems will remain
[1:57:58]
dependent on the current communications department support which is doing a good job but ems does eat up a lot
[1:58:03]
of their time.
[1:58:03]
There's a lot
[1:58:04]
of their time.
[1:58:04]
There's a lot happening in ems
[1:58:04]
and we send stuff very frequently pick the considerable
[1:58:09]
workload on the department.
[1:58:12]
community programs coordinator
[1:58:14]
establishing a full-time community programs coordinator
[1:58:15]
will build on the concert -- the considerable gains achieved... Across our community educating
[1:58:22]
our youth promoting the profession and strengthening public trust.
[1:58:25]
the role will ensure consistent
[1:58:26]
outreach training, ongoing program expansion and engaging
[1:58:33]
in joint initiatives with other emergency services and healthcare partners while providing meaningful opportunities for modified duty
[1:58:40]
personnel and those returning from operational stress leave
[1:58:43]
to reengage with the uniform before
[1:58:45]
resuming full front-line duties
[1:58:45]
by sustaining visibility and proactive engagement the position will enhance ems's reputation as innovative and community focused.
[1:58:56]
seeking to improve bystander intervention rates for all emergencies reduce preventable
[1:59:01]
911 calls.
[1:59:01]
Without
[1:59:02]
911 calls.
[1:59:02]
Without approval will be forced
[1:59:04]
to scale back its current presence limiting public education 880 awareness and decreasing the momentum that's already been built.
[1:59:12]
ems systems analyst director of it will speak to this but I can
[1:59:18]
tell you from an ems perspective
[1:59:20]
because it's a very technical
[1:59:23]
position we have extensive software and data resources but
[1:59:25]
they are not fully optimized pick the systems analyst roll would focus on improving these
[1:59:29]
tools on driving efficiency and enabling systemwide innovation
[1:59:31]
finally vehicle services technician.
[1:59:37]
with previous on the upcoming vehicle additions to the fleet the workload on our vehicle support technician is starting to outpace capacity posing risk to preventative maintenance reliability and compliance introducing a second will strengthen
[1:59:52]
operational performance by ensuring timely
[1:59:55]
repairs inspections and documentation reducing reliance
[1:59:59]
on outsourcing and providing critical redundancy during absences or peak demand.
[2:00:02]
we don't have a backup so when the individuals taking vacation
[2:00:06]
we are outsourcing the work.
[2:00:08]
the added capacity will improve
[2:00:10]
a fit -- available to, safeguard
[2:00:13]
staff with reliable vehicles and
[2:00:14]
position the service sustainably and cost-effectively.
[2:00:18]
without the role the model will continue to generate backlogs
[2:00:18]
And
[2:00:21]
without the role the model will continue to generate backlogs
[2:00:21]
And compliance gaps down time leaving the organization reactive or unable to meet the demands of the expanding fleet and service delivery model.
[2:00:27]
in conclusion I thank you for the opportunity to present the proposed 2026 emergency to service -- department budget to
[2:00:38]
council.
[2:00:39]
I'd like to thank councillors...
[2:00:41]
miss heidi macleod, kelly schmidt and the essex windsor
[2:00:45]
senior leadership team for the preparation of the budget and
[2:00:47]
I'd like to thank the entire team at essex windsor for the
[2:00:51]
continued dedication I'm open to any questions at council may have.
[2:00:52]
>> thanks. Are there any questions regarding the>> are 2026 budget estimates there any questions?
[2:01:02]
starting with you. >> thank you for the presentation, I
[2:01:08]
know it is not an easy thing for anyone to do but the one item you cut was the additional training hours and I feel like you did use the word mandatory training that we would not be getting if we didn't have those additional hours.
[2:01:25]
is that correct?
[2:01:26]
>> we would have to define mandatory but anything that comes down from the province,
[2:01:35]
we do have to train and we would try to find ways to do it. Essentially we get one day with all of our staff and we pack everything in and then we try to get innovative with putting champions on the street developing field training officer roles and getting them out
[2:01:49]
there. Anything mandatory from the minister of health we would absolutely be taking care of the
[2:01:53]
training and we would leave that undone.
[2:01:54]
however, there is more than just that happening and once a year
[2:02:01]
out of 12 months we get six weeks in the fall and things have happened in february and
[2:02:07]
march trying to get that communication and get the training done so it becomes very difficult.
[2:02:10]
>> you have asked for an additional 199,935 if we could included in the budget. How many ours is that her person
[2:02:24]
in order to get the training that is needed?
[2:02:27]
training is extremely important
[2:02:29]
whether you are new or whether
[2:02:34]
you are seasoned training is something we should never shove to the side and I would be hoping that council may see that
[2:02:41]
this is an item we should add
[2:02:42]
to the budget.
[2:02:42]
what would that give to each of
[2:02:44]
our ems workers?
[2:02:44]
>> another eight hours of training to each paramedic the service.
[2:02:50]
>> thank you
[2:02:50]
training to each paramedic the service.
[2:02:50]
>> thank you.
[2:02:55]
councillor gibb. >> thank you, madam morden.
[2:02:56]
through you to the chief, could you expand on this community programs coordinator and if you could talk more about the success of our public access defibrillator program and what
[2:03:14]
you feel will happen to that program if this coordinated position is not funded?
[2:03:19]
>> through you warden, the coordinator is a position you
[2:03:25]
are likely all familiar with with the enbridge grant, an individual that works with us
[2:03:31]
that is out on the street promoting the uptake and use of public access defibrillators but
[2:03:33]
also a big part of public education For about a year and a half we have been making this work in previous it was a piecemeal operation who was not able to be at work someone on modified duties we had no running cadence of a strategy of a plan to make sure we
[2:03:50]
could continue doing it.
[2:03:51]
when this individual started we had roughly 300 public access
[2:03:57]
defibrillators mapped out on the
[2:03:57]
street, we are over 1400, about
[2:04:00]
85 have been -- are brand-new
[2:04:05]
that have been installed in organizations as a result of the work this individual is doing.
[2:04:07]
we are starting down the road,
[2:04:11]
every municipality has supported
[2:04:13]
that and in rotate cabinets, that is the next division to make sure it's not locked up behind closed doors. Over 50 schools, educating over
[2:04:22]
2000 people and over 1200 of those being students and 134 public session so what would happen is we would do the best
[2:04:31]
we could with what we have but
[2:04:32]
it will be fragmented.
[2:04:32]
we would definitely lose the gains that we've had, it would
[2:04:37]
not be a hard stop but it would not be what you see right now.
[2:04:41]
>> as a follow-up, if I may, you talk about building community resilience, this position builds community resilience.
[2:04:48]
how does that affect in the situations where we have code code red, code block, how does it assist you and your team to
[2:05:00]
provide that, you know, life-saving care when the system is stretched?
[2:05:07]
>> I will break that into 2 2 pillars, one being the defibrillator.
[2:05:14]
we know that if a defibrillators
[2:05:15]
applied within the first minute
[2:05:17]
there is a 90% chance of survival and it goes down temper
[2:05:19]
sense every minute after that.
[2:05:21]
the more knowing how to do cpr
[2:05:26]
and have access to a defibrillator and know how to
[2:05:28]
use it is putting our hands further into the community and
[2:05:29]
leverage lay responders and that
[2:05:34]
has it's own trajectory is how far we can go with that. The other piece is the public
[2:05:39]
relations, getting to the schools and talking to the people and went to call 911 and how to stop a bleed, all of these things that are happening
[2:05:45]
that are educating our youth and our community members to make the right call.
[2:05:47]
that maybe 911 is not the option
[2:05:50]
or we are improving mortality
[2:05:53]
rates because they are being able to apply basic first aid and skills while the paramedic
[2:05:59]
's are on their way so every person in the community that understands our mission and how
[2:06:03]
they can contribute as a good steward of our community is a bonus for us.
[2:06:07]
>> thank you very much.
[2:06:09]
I look to the warden, I would like to make a motion to add this position to the budget and I don't know if now is the appropriate time to have the discussion or if it should wait.
[2:06:23]
>> what if we take all the comments around the table first and then when I read the recommendation you can add to it
[2:06:34]
it, whatever you would like to do.
[2:06:34]
Is that
[2:06:35]
it, whatever you would like to do.
[2:06:35]
Is that okay?
[2:06:35]
there may still be some more suggestions.
[2:06:38]
okay, thank you.
[2:06:41]
councillor bondy. >> thank you warden mcdonald, I want to thank the councilmember across the table
[2:06:50]
I will easily support that and I'm hoping the balance to support that.
[2:06:54]
I have a couple questions. When it says excluded from budget ranked in order, does that mean that is the order of preference from administration
[2:07:01]
as a whole and how they would like to see if we were to bring any positions back?
[2:07:04]
because the community programs
[2:07:07]
coordinator is ranked number 1 so is that from an administrative point of view and I'm talking about appendix three three, does that mean that position is the most important to bring back?
[2:07:19]
it's appendix three. >> I will speak to appendix three and I will let chief lammers speak. What we did as senior leadership
[2:07:36]
is we had all of these items on the table and we decided as a leadership team we ranked what we thought was most important
[2:07:46]
and we tallied up the results to
[2:07:46]
present to council in that fashion to everything there was a collective effort based on all
[2:07:52]
of the senior leadership team decisions but I will let justin speak to the importance of the
[2:07:58]
position in respective of all of his items >> thank you.
[2:08:04]
just looking at the slides here,
[2:08:08]
if you are asking what the order
[2:08:10]
of preference is obviously the community programs coordinator,
[2:08:15]
that is going to have a big impact across the board if we
[2:08:17]
don't have that.
[2:08:17]
additional training ours for me is a big one. We definitely are not training
[2:08:24]
our staff as often as we should and when I compare ourselves to
[2:08:27]
others services in the province,
[2:08:28]
we are low on the side of training.
[2:08:30]
it's been a budgetary ask for quite some time but has not been able to make it to the table.
[2:08:33]
outside of that, any capacity,
[2:08:38]
any support we can get as a whole to continue on the development and the growth of this organization would be appreciated.
[2:08:43]
>> thank you for that.
[2:08:48]
I see several positions from ems
[2:08:52]
so it is under 12.2 budget overview in case some other members of council can't see it because you have to go back.
[2:09:02]
I am wondering what else we can
[2:09:07]
do.
[2:09:08]
I know we don't like to raise the levee but the levy is a very reasonable levy and when it comes to ems, we need to support ems more than we need to support
[2:09:20]
the mega-hospital right now in my opinion because the mega mega-hospital, we are doing really well, I believe in saving
[2:09:25]
money for that but ems, supporting ems is urgent.
[2:09:31]
the mega-hospital, we can't get
[2:09:32]
them to come to the table and answer our questions.
[2:09:34]
what is the status of our letter
[2:09:38]
on our request to meet with the mega-hospital committee because we need to really know when are we going to see shovels in the ground.
[2:09:45]
the other part or question I have is, do we talk to our mpps
[2:09:52]
and what is our plan of communication with the city of windsor and the mpps?
[2:09:57]
with the rise in call volumes
[2:10:00]
I don't want anyone to be blindsided on future requests for funding at the provincial
[2:10:03]
level and also the city of windsor has made it clear that
[2:10:06]
they want to come in at a 0% increase and I don't know how that is going to impact us.
[2:10:10]
I know that we just send them
[2:10:14]
a bill but we really need to have
[2:10:15]
all of these parties at the table when we are talking about ems because health care is so important.
[2:10:18]
my question is, what is the plan
[2:10:24]
to talk to the local mpps about
[2:10:25]
the rising calls?
[2:10:25]
>> for you, warden, we meet regularly with our mpps particularly around innovative
[2:10:38]
opportunities relatively cost
[2:10:39]
neutral to improve response
[2:10:39]
Times
[2:10:39]
neutral to improve response
[2:10:39]
times.
[2:10:39]
again in my budget presentation
[2:10:42]
, talking about getting innovative
[2:10:46]
and not throwing resources that
[2:10:47]
something that is not working
[2:10:47]
the best so they are well informed on what the rising call is, we have a delegation requesting and we are connected with them.
[2:10:56]
>> I would like to support more
[2:11:03]
training and I would like to support the community programs
[2:11:04]
Coordinator
[2:11:06]
training and I would like to support the community programs
[2:11:06]
Coordinator at the very least and if there was something else
[2:11:09]
that was high-priority in the
[2:11:12]
ems I would like our chief to bring it forward.
[2:11:14]
we have the bare-bones option in
[2:11:16]
front of us and then we can look
[2:11:18]
at the coordinator, extra training and if there is anything else that is urgent or if something isn't passed tonight, if something has to come to us they'd year to look at again I totally support that
[2:11:29]
since I have been on county counsel I feel we have truly made notable gains in the reduction of code red and black and I want to keep going in that
[2:11:38]
direction I do not want to let
[2:11:41]
our foot off the pedal.
[2:11:42]
if we went to the greater community and said we're going to have a 1% levy increase just for ems alone and they knew that that was directly going to help
[2:11:52]
code red and cold black and help
[2:11:55]
with staff retention for ems,
[2:11:57]
I I think the community would support that so I think we need to figure out how we can further support our ems our chief and
[2:12:04]
not just at the bare-bones level
[2:12:04]
level.
[2:12:04]
Thank you
[2:12:04]
level.
[2:12:04]
thank you.
[2:12:04]
>> 3u, warden, if I can, we are coming up to collective bargaining in 2026 and we need to be mindful of that and I want
[2:12:14]
to put that out there.
[2:12:15]
thank you. >> anyone else?
[2:12:20]
councillor rogers. >> thank you, madam warden.
[2:12:26]
to echo a few things going. I have seen this progression the last year or two and I think this council has made significant investments in ems
[2:12:37]
I look at this budget alone and we have seven replacement vehicles two brand-new vehicles
[2:12:46]
vehicles.
[2:12:46]
increase in the staff experience
[2:12:47]
experience, code red code black go down, wait times go down, we
[2:12:53]
are making tremendous strides, and I can support the additional training
[2:12:59]
hours, happy to add that and happy to support that, I think
[2:13:03]
beyond that, I want to be mindful of the budget that we
[2:13:07]
have and the restrictions that we have because again at the end
[2:13:10]
of the day, we have made significant investments in our ems and we are making significant strides but the end
[2:13:17]
of the day a budget that was
[2:13:18]
proposed for us to be able to hit our strategic priorities and
[2:13:22]
be able to continue to hit our service levels and continue to move forward with our momentum,
[2:13:26]
I don't think any budget would be put forward for us to take
[2:13:31]
steps back and again I appreciate your comment over the collective bargaining because
[2:13:34]
again it's not so much about this year but about the stuff
[2:13:36]
in the future so I encourage this
[2:13:39]
council we have to be mindful,
[2:13:40]
it's not an open pit. We can't continue to fund what
[2:13:44]
we would love to, I would love to be able to pick at the local
[2:13:47]
level, one artist things is saying no to the fire department but there are times where you have to trust in your team and
[2:13:53]
the leadership.
[2:13:54]
what do you need for this year for us to carry the momentum and
[2:13:57]
I'm happy to support the additional training hours but
[2:14:00]
my vote will stop at that point. thank you.
[2:14:01]
>> thank you.
[2:14:04]
anyone else?
[2:14:04]
>> two questions for the chief
[2:14:09]
, the average age of our fleet is
[2:14:12]
now what?
[2:14:12]
>> we are on a 60 replacement cycles so it moves along every year We don't keep them longer than six years.
[2:14:24]
we bought some six years ago and are buying some this year so it's a blend.
[2:14:26]
>> and of course we anticipate
[2:14:32]
just looking at inflation and industrial costs the prices that we did pay before.
[2:14:40]
when you brought them forth earlier will most likely be increased as well. Is that something you are anticipating?
[2:14:45]
>> yes. Everything is seeing inflation
[2:14:49]
- inflation-related changes.
[2:14:50]
>> with the discussions we've had about dispatching. Do you see that moving forward?
[2:14:58]
and do you see any substantive changes that can be saved to your budget if the dispatching proposals that we've disgust and
[2:15:06]
some of the ideas you put forth in this chamber forward?
[2:15:09]
>> we are seeing some movement
[2:15:13]
on the provincial lens for dispatch.
[2:15:13]
Again we
[2:15:13]
on the provincial lens for dispatch.
[2:15:13]
Again we are getting into pds talking to the counterparts across the province it makes a big difference in terms of ambience availability we are not over prioritizing as much in
[2:15:22]
getting more of an even cadence
[2:15:25]
of dispatching I do see that helping, I am hearing signals that alternate
[2:15:32]
models of care within the medication centre are being looked at and in terms of those
[2:15:36]
operating and providing oversight to the communication
[2:15:41]
centre we continue to talk about that.
[2:15:43]
I am not 100% convinced that that will be anything palpable but I do see the ministry is listening and we are starting
[2:15:51]
to see some changes so if we can
[2:15:53]
get smarter and how we dispatch, we definitely can send a tahoe
[2:15:57]
instead of an ambulance with two paramedics.
[2:15:58]
alternate model care opportunities in all of the stuff the team behind me is looking at.
[2:16:03]
the master plan gave a high level of ceiling on what was needed.
[2:16:08]
I don't think we need all of that. I'll be honest.
[2:16:09]
I appreciate the comments about the bigger picture here.
[2:16:17]
we will continue pushing ahead
[2:16:18]
as a service and doing everything we can and being as responsible as we can. It does not mean that we needed
[2:16:24]
all.
[2:16:24]
I would rather have a little bit
[2:16:26]
bit, put it in and see how it goes and adjust again.
[2:16:27]
no significantly big changes. The issue we do have is I am losing space to put these vehicles.
[2:16:35]
two more are coming in and they
[2:16:37]
are supposed to go and I do not have the room to put those in there so we have to figure all
[2:16:44]
of that out and where these trucks will go, that is part of the bigger picture.
[2:16:46]
>> thank you, madam warden. >> thank you.
[2:16:50]
councillor prue. >> a question, it seems like there's a sufficient appetite
[2:16:57]
here to add a couple of things in here that are going to be expensive I did hear one comment about the hospital and how much we are funding which I think is excessive.
[2:17:08]
could it be possible that if any motions are made that they be
[2:17:11]
contingent on finding the dollars from other sources whether it be the hospital or something else?
[2:17:19]
I am reluctant to vote simply for it and to raise the levy.
[2:17:24]
I want to put that up front. If you can find some money somewhere else in the hospital
[2:17:32]
seems like a logical one to many many, a couple hundred 300, off
[2:17:36]
of that to fund the ems, I would certainly support it.
[2:17:44]
if you can't, I have to say that I would be reluctant to raise the rate above 2.65.
[2:17:53]
>> duly noted.
[2:17:54]
did you want to speak to that suggestion?
[2:18:01]
>> if I could, please. I agree with councillor prue.
[2:18:07]
if my colleagues would be willing to approve each of these items as we go through it and
[2:18:11]
save -- or receive and approve
[2:18:14]
at the end so we can go through.
[2:18:16]
there are 26 items on this list
[2:18:19]
and I think it would be very unfair to other departments if we started approving these items
[2:18:24]
now without going and hearing
[2:18:26]
the full presentation from everyone.
[2:18:27]
I think we can ask the questions now and if we can make a list
[2:18:30]
of the items that we want to discuss at the end that maybe we could find ways to adjust it,
[2:18:37]
whether it's coming from another
[2:18:37]
Thing
[2:18:37]
whether it's coming from another
[2:18:37]
Thing like the hospital but some of these items are one time funded capital items in some of these items are operating continuation and I would love
[2:18:46]
if we could have a discussion at the end that would see us discuss those 26 items instead
[2:18:51]
of trying to piecemeal it together through the budget session if my fellow councillors
[2:18:55]
would agree to that.
[2:18:56]
>> I just checked with the clerk
[2:19:15]
clerk, that can be a resolution
[2:19:17]
that is made and council will vote on that so let me go to councillor verbeke and then we
[2:19:25]
will open the floor.
[2:19:26]
I was looking because of the comments made, I was looking at bringing up individual ones that were mentioned such as the additional training hours as separate.
[2:19:33]
motions as well as the coordinator as a separate
[2:19:41]
motion and then the motion to
[2:19:43]
receive but if you want to add,
[2:19:45]
we will come to you but it has to be a decision of council.
[2:19:49]
if they want to receive and approve or just receive at this point in time.
[2:19:55]
are you good with that?
[2:19:57]
okay, thank you.
[2:19:59]
councillor verbeke. >> thank you.
[2:20:03]
great report.
[2:20:03]
I will go to melissa now. The business case, is that all
[2:20:10]
included in this 2.65 of the budget?
[2:20:15]
>> no. These are items that administratively we put on that
[2:20:19]
list and did not include them in the proposed budget but allowing council to bring it back in.
[2:20:23]
>> I see this as more of a needs
[2:20:26]
list than a want list so I think we should get them all if you've
[2:20:33]
had any dealings with ems, if the mechanic is gone, we can't fix it and I believe that all of these positions should be filled filled.
[2:20:42]
I don't care where you get the
[2:20:42]
money from but it has to be filled.
[2:20:46]
>> councillor gibb. >> one more clarifying question
[2:20:53]
, when we look at these numbers,
[2:20:55]
the estimated cost for the community program coordinate her at 121467 and the additional training hours, 19935, are those
[2:21:06]
numbers half of the cost or is that the full cost but the levy
[2:21:12]
will be charged back if I can use that term, by the city?
[2:21:17]
>> yes, the list does include the total cost of that asked,
[2:21:26]
however, in ems we always they
[2:21:27]
know their funding formula is a little difference over the first year it would be 50% of that cost for the coordinate her position it will be about 65,504 the training dollars it would about $100,000, levy dollars.
[2:21:38]
>> further to that, doesn't the provincial funding then come in
[2:21:45]
afterwards.
[2:21:45]
>> through you, warden, it would come in but not until 2027 so how we budget is to incorporate that in the first year so that we cover ourselves.
[2:21:54]
>> just a question, in terms of the positions, I know you gave a lot of thought to coordinating and explaining the key responsibilities but I'm wondering if there was any opportunity to look at sharing
[2:22:14]
, additional training hours, are you able to talk to chatham-kent and coordinate training and facilitate that that is mandatory or whatnot or through st. Clair college and partnering with them and having an individual and I don't know if that
[2:22:34]
is even possible but they
[2:22:35]
are a great partner with ems in terms of that education component but I too agree that
[2:22:41]
we should look at these positions, obviously they are
[2:22:44]
here for a reason and the need is there.
[2:22:45]
but looking at the budget overview in terms of ranked positions, I kind of agree with
[2:22:54]
councilllor meloche in terms of waiting until the end and coming
[2:22:59]
back and seeing what impact it has on the overall budget versus doing them now one by one so I
[2:23:04]
do like to keep an open mind on these positions but just a question if there is any ability if we only choose 2 and there
[2:23:12]
are five not chosen, are you able to somehow still be able
[2:23:14]
to offer -- the purpose is relevant
[2:23:18]
and I don't want us to not see it happen that is there any way that through partnerships you
[2:23:26]
could probably arrange some of those responsibilities in a different format?
[2:23:29]
>> through you, warden, the training hours, to be clear is
[2:23:37]
the wage is required to get to pay the employee to take the training.
[2:23:41]
the majority of our staff are front line paramedics and they
[2:23:44]
are on the road and it's difficult to pull them off the
[2:23:47]
road to do training obviously
[2:23:48]
based on their environment so they are doing it on their days off so to coordinate with systems partners, chatham-kent
[2:23:56]
, st. Clair, we have great relationships with all of them and sometimes we can save on the cost of getting someone to deliver content but having someone sit through that content is where the expense comes in.
[2:24:04]
the rest of the positions, it
[2:24:11]
would be difficult for the commander of operations, communications officer, all it is doing is continuing to stress the system that is already there
[2:24:18]
and not able to help support the
[2:24:20]
capacity of those positions. >> thank you.
[2:24:22]
>> anyone else?
[2:24:26]
okay.
[2:24:26]
we are going to figure out how to do this individually since there seems to be -- councillor deyong, comment?
[2:24:36]
>> I will throw my two cents in, I would like to make a motion that we receive and then discuss all of these things at the end
[2:24:42]
when we've had a chance to digest the rest of the budget.
[2:24:44]
>> comment first then?
[2:24:47]
a comment or no?
[2:24:48]
>> that is my comment. That I'm supportive of us receiving this for now. >> you are making the motion to receive?
[2:24:58]
>> you are making the motion to receive?
[2:24:58]
>> sure.
[2:24:58]
>> okay.
[2:25:00]
councillor deyong is making the
[2:25:05]
motion that the presentation for the proposed 2026 essex-windsor emergency service budget be received and further that the
[2:25:14]
2026 budget estimates for essex-windsor emergency medical services be received.
[2:25:15]
that is moved by councillor deyong.
[2:25:15]
Looking
[2:25:20]
that is moved by councillor deyong.
[2:25:20]
Looking for a seconder.
[2:25:20]
councilllor meloche.
[2:25:22]
we will wait for that to get on the board and then we will be voting electronically, please.
[2:25:33]
councillor gibb.
[2:25:37]
sorry, I did not open the floor
[2:25:40]
to questions. >> that is all right.
[2:25:41]
I will push my way onto the floor.
[2:25:42]
just so that I can understand
[2:25:47]
this correctly, we will receive and then when we get to the end
[2:25:50]
of the day at 9:30 tonight or hopefully earlier.
[2:25:54]
come on. A little levity.
[2:25:57]
then we will discuss the individual items, correct?
[2:26:01]
>> that is how I am understanding it so that is what I believe an imc knots from the mover and the seconder.
[2:26:10]
I had someone else's hand up. >> I will get there.
[2:26:16]
I thought there was still someone here who I had seen first.
[2:26:19]
councillor bailey, you are up.
[2:26:22]
>> thank you, warden, I think
[2:26:24]
that you had it right in the first place because we have the opportunity right now to receive
[2:26:28]
and approve what is before us
[2:26:31]
in the budget that has been requested and there is nothing stopping us later for making a
[2:26:33]
motion and adding in I would like to make a motion to add in
[2:26:38]
item number blah, blah, blah for
[2:26:40]
position whatever and for us to
[2:26:43]
prove that so I think to continue with the momentum of our budget I would prefer to do it the way that you stated in
[2:26:50]
that we have already moved through, we have approved our sections, we will come back to
[2:26:53]
the wish list at the end but recognizing that there are 26 positions on there, they represent 4% on the budget, certainly anybody could move those items forward should they
[2:27:04]
want to but in the meantime we
[2:27:06]
have a budget presented and vetted by administration that I
[2:27:09]
would really like to see get received, approved and we can
[2:27:11]
come back and make new motions for other wish list items as the day unfolds.
[2:27:15]
>> councillor deyong. >> thank you Looking for clarity.
[2:27:22]
I have no problems with what councillor bailey just said but
[2:27:26]
if we are approving the ems budget then we don't need a motion to reconsider to open up
[2:27:31]
the ems budget to add something
[2:27:32]
to the ems budget. I'm looking for clarity from administration, thank you.
[2:27:34]
>> madam clerk, I am looking to you.
[2:27:34]
>> that
[2:27:43]
>> madam clerk, I am looking to you.
[2:27:43]
>> that is correct. He would not need a motion to
[2:27:46]
add a supplementary item to the
[2:27:47]
already approved budget for a
[2:27:51]
particular department so if
[2:27:51]
Council
[2:27:51]
particular department so if
[2:27:51]
Council wishes to approve the
[2:27:55]
budget for ems as it's written
[2:27:55]
right now at this interval and
[2:27:59]
then revisit additional supplementary items for this department and/or other departments before the final budget approval is done later
[2:28:06]
today that is also fine.
[2:28:06]
>> a councillor deyong. >> I have no problem with that
[2:28:12]
I am fine to improve this and discuss this. >> you are changing your motion to receive and approve?
[2:28:20]
I am looking to the secondary.
[2:28:25]
okay, that changes the motion to be received and approved.
[2:28:26]
and we are looking to vote electronically.
[2:28:38]
and that is carried, thank you
[2:28:57]
. thank you, chief.
[2:28:59]
next up, we have budget for infrastructure and planning.
[2:29:05]
pause for one moment. We are debating lunch.
[2:29:15]
>> what a lovely debate.
[2:29:18]
lunch lost so we are going to
[2:29:37]
go on to infrastructure and planning services and for that
[2:29:39]
we have our director of infrastructure and planning services as well as rebecca, our manager planning services to present the 2026 budget.
[2:29:46]
over to you.
[2:29:48]
for their department.
[2:29:48]
>> thank you, warden and council
[2:30:06]
council.
[2:30:06]
too many laptops appear at the moment.
[2:30:09]
thank you.
[2:30:20]
the infrastructure and planning services department plays a vital role in shaping and supporting our communities as committed to maintaining and enhancing the county infrastructure and the built environment.
[2:30:30]
we do this by building reliable infrastructure developing and applying responsible planning
[2:30:38]
policy and effective asset management.
[2:30:39]
my team knows and understands
[2:30:46]
the goals and directions of the
[2:30:46]
county They understand the contributions they make as individuals and they know and understand how their efforts contribute to the overall success of our department, the the county, our residence and
[2:30:59]
our businesses and I am very proud of each and every one of them.
[2:31:00]
it is not easy, my management
[2:31:06]
team faces challenges almost every day.
[2:31:07]
rising service-level expectations, development pressures escalating construction costs, funding gaps
[2:31:14]
gaps, complexities for the competition of our road allowances for things like safety access, active transportation utilities and the ever moving targets of falling from new or modified provincial legislation.
[2:31:27]
while we look forward to the future these systems have to
[2:31:33]
work today and these hard assets
[2:31:38]
are deteriorating around us every day.
[2:31:40]
but I have to say that we love it, we love what we do and we look forward to next year and
[2:31:47]
I am here to present the proposed ips budget for 2026.
[2:31:51]
while the total departmental budget presented is just over
[2:32:00]
$138 million, the following
[2:32:00]
Recoveries and
[2:32:00]
$138 million, the following
[2:32:00]
Recoveries and contributions from our reserves, than that departmental asked for 2026 is just over $54 million, approximately $1.8 million over
[2:32:10]
2025.
[2:32:11]
1.25 million of that is our recommendation to increment the
[2:32:16]
expansion program.
[2:32:17]
the base contribution this year
[2:32:19]
several other items remain off
[2:32:25]
this version of the budget, and
[2:32:28]
melissa spoke to these in appendix three of her treasurers
[2:32:31]
report nine happy to talk about
[2:32:32]
these further after my presentation.
[2:32:34]
things like traffic signals at the intersection of county road
[2:32:42]
20 and 23, road supervisor position, traffic signals on on county road 20 and martin lane in la salle, generator study for the administration building.
[2:32:51]
the amenity study, some additional sidewalk around our building and a maintenance one position.
[2:33:02]
this slide breaks down the net department of proposed budget
[2:33:08]
by my major service groups. Construction and engineering maintenance operations facility operations cleaning services and fleet and facilities.
[2:33:18]
the net construction and engineering budget has an increase of just over $1.4 million and again the majority of that increment is the $1.25 million we are recommending toward the increase to the expansion program faced
[2:33:36]
budget or base contribution.
[2:33:38]
are construction engineering group looks after much of our core assets and active transportation facilities.
[2:33:47]
the state of good repair program and by the way thank you to council and the council
[2:33:52]
Preapproval
[2:33:53]
and by the way thank you to council and the council
[2:33:53]
Preapproval to the big creek bridge project they are currently out for tender and we
[2:34:01]
are expecting an early start in the new year.
[2:34:02]
in this group, we have our program and we are planning for the future, construction, traffic management and safety
[2:34:17]
of our road corridors.
[2:34:17]
and several projects are done
[2:34:21]
in this budget in cooperation with
[2:34:23]
our local municipal partners,
[2:34:24]
things like working on or connecting links, a shared ea's
[2:34:29]
and studies and leveraging our paving contracts.
[2:34:30]
all of this being mindful of accessibility.
[2:34:33]
of note, in 2026, we continue with our road rationalization
[2:34:44]
project designing construction
[2:34:47]
of the stormwater management solution for county road 19 and
[2:34:50]
the 22 intersection.
[2:34:51]
county road 42, 43, phase 4.
[2:34:56]
I already mentioned the culvert and the big creek bridge and we have a number of other bridging
[2:35:04]
projects that are either in the design or construction phase.
[2:35:07]
we have our paved shoulder program and that will continue
[2:35:13]
on county road three, eight, nine and 31.
[2:35:16]
and on this side we have put together some figures to answer 2 frequently answered questions
[2:35:25]
. What is the approximate cost to maintain a highway?
[2:35:26]
we are averaging just over $5700 per lane kilometre over ten years but this year in 2025, we
[2:35:36]
hit just over $7500 per lane kilometre.
[2:35:38]
and what's the approximate cost to rehabilitate or pave word do an operation on a highway? The average cost over ten years
[2:35:51]
is about $94,000 per lane kilometre but in 2025 and this speaks to the ever escalating cost of construction.
[2:35:57]
in 2025, we saw $170,000 per lane kilometre.
[2:36:03]
our maintenance operation group
[2:36:15]
was presenting a not budget for
[2:36:17]
2026 of just over $10 million. Approximately 550 is covering things like wage increases, increases to our management budget some additional dollars for asset management particularly in the drainage asset department.
[2:36:35]
our maintenance operations group
[2:36:41]
also known as roads provides maintenance to our existing road
[2:36:44]
network for summer maintenance,
[2:36:47]
winter control and traffic signal maintenance our facility operations group, a budget request in 2026 for just over
[2:37:03]
$860,000.
[2:37:03]
facility's operation as a team that manages the county of essex administration building and also provide some services to other facilities as needed.
[2:37:17]
this department manages several
[2:37:19]
of our annual contracts for us in addition to keeping this building and our grounds in good condition.
[2:37:23]
our planning services group has a budget and our planning team is led by our manager rebecca belanger and she is here to speak to the planning budget.
[2:37:41]
>> thank you, good morning, gordon As council is aware, my position with the support of 2 additional
[2:38:01]
planners conducts the work, acting as the delegated provincial planning authority for ensuring that all matters
[2:38:07]
are addressed and improving local plans and amendments as well as other planning applications such as plans of tradition as an example.
[2:38:17]
we presently have over 150 active planning applications throughout the local municipality's.
[2:38:21]
a large number of these applications are in the pre preconsultation stage of review
[2:38:27]
and county planning has than not taken the associated fee.
[2:38:30]
this will look as if it's a reduced revenue of planning applications this is not however reflective of the actual work in the department.
[2:38:40]
now that the county official plan has received final approval
[2:38:46]
by the province, planning administration will be advancing
[2:38:50]
several strategic planning studies in 2026.
[2:38:52]
the first of these and the purchased services section
[2:38:52]
Includes
[2:38:55]
the first of these and the purchased services section
[2:38:55]
Includes a specialty study, the intent of this work is to formally identify and map these high-priority agriculture areas
[2:39:06]
to ensure they are properly considered win planning applications come forward as well as new official plans.
[2:39:09]
they county strategic plan directs the advancement of a regional climate land strategy.
[2:39:17]
the rfp is currently out on bids and tenders and the expectation
[2:39:21]
that the consultant will be selected in december.
[2:39:24]
this project is planned to run
[2:39:28]
through and conclude in june of
[2:39:28]
next year with regular reporting to county counsel.
[2:39:31]
the planning budget also includes a carryover amount for the regional energy plan implementation project.
[2:39:39]
this budgeted amount is intended
[2:39:43]
to be used for this year to conduct a climate adaptation plan and in partnership with local municipalities that are interested.
[2:39:49]
the adaptation plan will create
[2:39:55]
an updated greenhouse gas emission inventory for the county as well as local municipalities enabling us to
[2:40:03]
begin monitoring our actions
[2:40:03]
That
[2:40:03]
begin monitoring our actions
[2:40:03]
That impact and reduce emissions as well as other components of the action plan that will include an assessment of climate related vulnerabilities resilient strategies and an updated clean energy target.
[2:40:19]
purchased services also include the annual contribution to the resilience project, in the amount of $50,000. This contribution from the county and other project partners enable the project to receive grant funding in the amount of $1 million.
[2:40:37]
this project is in its second year of the three-year work program.
[2:40:38]
regarding the natural heritage
[2:40:42]
system strategy listed on this
[2:40:46]
side, although this initiative
[2:40:46]
Was
[2:40:47]
side, although this initiative
[2:40:47]
Was originally planned to advance in 2026, through the review and prioritization of other required strategic planning studies we are looking forward to advancing this initiative instead in 2027 there for you will know that there is
[2:41:04]
no budget allocated for this initiative.
[2:41:04]
this concludes my comments, thank you.
[2:41:07]
>> thank you, rebecca.
[2:41:10]
moving on to our fleet and facilities budget this is where we track capital needs for nonlinear assets, things such
[2:41:22]
as equipment for our roads group,
[2:41:23]
trucks ploughs, loaders, equipment and building needs for
[2:41:27]
our facilities group and any major renovation projects.
[2:41:31]
in 2026, we presented a budget
[2:41:39]
to effectively replace aging equipment support the county's desired level of service, renew our facilities for example, there is a report on the consent
[2:41:47]
agenda that we have included $2.000000 towards the renovation
[2:41:52]
for council's consideration.
[2:41:54]
and lastly, to enhance we have
[2:41:59]
items in this budget to provide enhancements to security at our roads depots.
[2:42:03]
and this is just a slide that
[2:42:11]
shows some of the work that we
[2:42:12]
do, it gets messy sometimes but it also shows some of our successes and some of our responses to some of council
[2:42:18]
responses to some of council's
[2:42:18]
requests and with that, I will conclude and I am available to
[2:42:24]
answer any questions. >> thank you I was expecting a lot longer.
[2:42:29]
opening the floor to comments and questions from council, starting with you councillor bailey.
[2:42:33]
>>
[2:42:36]
starting with you councillor bailey.
[2:42:36]
>> thank you. Through you, to start up I wanted to our own horn here, we
[2:42:43]
have done amazing amazing work
[2:42:44]
when it comes to the paved shoulder program and cwats and everything we've been doing through this department and I know that many of those trails
[2:42:53]
, I ride and I noticed numbers of council have viewed them and I I think sherry took a ride with
[2:43:00]
some of the groups earlier on
[2:43:01]
in the year too and we are so close close, we are 1.8 kilometres away from bridging the gap for
[2:43:09]
161 kilometres of the seaway,
[2:43:14]
100 which is pretty incredible
[2:43:14]
that we have done that as a region so talk about the regional powerhouse for all of us to have this system that is
[2:43:21]
moving through all of our communities so beautifully.
[2:43:23]
the 1.8% that is not done is in
[2:43:27]
lakeshore and I know that it's a little late here and there are probably resources and they understand that some of the things have been funded and somewhere funded and some are
[2:43:38]
not funded so I don't want this
[2:43:40]
to happen today but I do want to
[2:43:41]
preface that a notice of motion
[2:43:43]
will come forward at some point to try to identify the 1.8%. A couple of things in addition to that to note, we have an awesome opportunity to build in resources for signage along the seaway so that folks know where
[2:44:01]
to go in our communities where it is comfortable to ride.
[2:44:02]
I would like to see a signage program come forward as well as the removal of signs and areas
[2:44:11]
that don't make sense within our plant so they don't have paved
[2:44:15]
shoulders.
[2:44:15]
one of those examples is in my
[2:44:16]
community 12-foot ditches on
[2:44:20]
both sides of the road, gravel road, and to end and it's marked
[2:44:24]
as a cwats trail which tells a cyclist it's a good spot to go and it's absolutely not a good spot to go.
[2:44:29]
we will blow the tires on our bike unless we have a fat bike
[2:44:32]
and we will land in the ditch
[2:44:34]
so I know that I am late to the game for this budget both in lakeshore and here at the county but don't be surprised by a notice of motion that will work to try to bridge the last 1.8 kilometre stretch so that we as a region will have accomplished
[2:44:48]
161 kilometres of roadway and
[2:44:51]
if you want to see it, I am happy
[2:44:53]
to get us a bus and anyone who
[2:44:55]
wants to come along we can ride
[2:44:56]
it and if you are not feeling like riding a bike this spring you also have all winter to get
[2:44:59]
ready and get fit and I will take the ride with you for the
[2:45:04]
full 160 for anyone who wants to go.
[2:45:07]
that is my two cents.
[2:45:07]
>> thank you.
[2:45:09]
councillor bondy. >> thank you, warden mcdonald.
[2:45:13]
further to what councillor bailey is saying I am in full
[2:45:20]
agreement with what she is looking to do and I think it is long overdue.
[2:45:25]
this is something that is going
[2:45:27]
to be a cycling corridor from
[2:45:29]
one end of our county to another
[2:45:29]
and with the new gordie howe bridge opening up allowing cyclist this is really big and it's an opportunity for all of us so I hope you do bring it forward because I would like to support it.
[2:45:41]
I am wondering if do we even have a price for that little segment?
[2:45:46]
That is my
[2:45:47]
have a price for that little segment?
[2:45:47]
That is my first question and then I have several more questions.
[2:45:49]
>> I do not have a price for you you.
[2:45:57]
I can try to get one worked out for you, a little later in the day but at the moment I don't
[2:46:01]
have that.
[2:46:01]
>> thank you. Maybe we can add that to appendix four that we just created.
[2:46:11]
one of the other questions that I have is can you elaborate a little bit more on the drainage
[2:46:16]
works that we are talking about
[2:46:19]
in the budget.
[2:46:20]
earlier miss ryan talked about
[2:46:26]
how we are doing training works
[2:46:26]
and if you can't elaborate on that tonight I will take it by email and in the future I just know that with the recent flooding in notches my minister polity but other municipalities
[2:46:37]
the people have a higher expectation of us when it comes
[2:46:42]
to drainage.
[2:46:42]
They want
[2:46:43]
to drainage.
[2:46:43]
They want regular maintenance
[2:46:45]
and I just want to make sure there is enough budget dollars
[2:46:47]
the other question that I also believe we need a full review
[2:46:53]
of cwats and the signage. I could not agree more.
[2:46:56]
I know there is a cwats committee but they actually should talk to the easy wrote folks who ride and cycle because
[2:47:08]
there is another section and I am sorry, I have to raise this
[2:47:12]
again.
[2:47:13]
one can we look at this little
[2:47:15]
section, just like this section in councillor bailey's area, a
[2:47:21]
section in the cwats plan that can next and another section that is not done, I know it is
[2:47:28]
a complicated section and has a hydro poll and it's not cheap
[2:47:31]
but we have this great waterfront trail that we mark
[2:47:34]
as a cycling corridor and it goes from one end to the other but
[2:47:39]
in a spot with no paved trail, the road is narrow and the speed limit is 80 so I don't know why we have that marked as?
[2:47:48]
the great waterfront trail when it's a raceway.
[2:47:53]
do we have a cost on that and when we can get that one done,
[2:47:56]
please.
[2:47:56]
>>
[2:48:01]
please.
[2:48:01]
>> thank you, through you, warden, to repeat back to you,
[2:48:04]
we are looking at getting some costs for that segment of -- I
[2:48:10]
forget the name of it. The essex county way and I am
[2:48:16]
just looking up some costs to speak to the additional stormwater maintenance projects
[2:48:22]
that we would like to fund this year and comment on county road
[2:48:28]
50 in amherstburg. This year, we have added additional dollars into the stormwater maintenance along our county road so that we can improve catch basins, we can tackle some of the aging smaller
[2:48:45]
culverts and road crossings that we have.
[2:48:46]
we are anticipating continued impacts of climate change. We have fallen behind in years past on some of that maintenance
[2:48:55]
and we would like to see extra dollars in that item so we can get ahead of that.
[2:49:00]
to really catch up and then start to get ahead of it.
[2:49:04]
with respect to county road 50,
[2:49:08]
we do have dollars in this year
[2:49:11]
year's budget to continue work
[2:49:11]
on design for a segment of our cwats trail along county road
[2:49:20]
50 50.
[2:49:20]
It is really the
[2:49:20]
50 50.
[2:49:20]
It is really the extreme west
[2:49:21]
end.
[2:49:21]
that segment is not one of the low hanging fruits that we've tackled in the last ten years
[2:49:29]
or so.
[2:49:29]
This
[2:49:31]
or so.
[2:49:31]
This one will require a little
[2:49:33]
extra work.
[2:49:33]
there is money in this year's
[2:49:35]
budget to look at what we would need to do for utility relocation perhaps getting into some municipal drain relocation
[2:49:41]
so that we can prepare the way to then go ahead and pave that
[2:49:44]
shoulder but the actual construction of the shoulder is
[2:49:49]
not in this year's budget but
[2:49:50]
again there is some imaginary utility money there.
[2:49:53]
I think I have covered all of the items there. >> thank you. I support everything that you are presenting.
[2:50:03]
I think you do a great job with
[2:50:06]
our roads.
[2:50:07]
I am so happy in the town of essex, we partner with you for many roads because your quality is top-notch. I'm thrilled with that.
[2:50:12]
your service on snowplowing and when it's raining and the roads
[2:50:18]
need to be closed your cruise are really receptive so thank you I look forward to supporting this and then talking about all of the other things.
[2:50:24]
thank you. >> thank you.
[2:50:27]
councillor gibb. >> thank you. Thank you to councillor bondy
[2:50:32]
for sew eloquently phrasing the issue of county road 50.
[2:50:37]
I know I have been conversing
[2:50:41]
with you, allen, for a long time
[2:50:42]
time.
[2:50:42]
it is a long stretch where we invite people to bike to our wineries, to bike through amherstburg and go to essex and all the way to leamington.
[2:51:01]
there is one specific spot that
[2:51:03]
if they don't know it's coming
[2:51:05]
, they are caught unaware that they have to merge into 80 kilometre per hour traffic.
[2:51:07]
I'm glad to hear that there is
[2:51:11]
money for the project.
[2:51:14]
I do realize that it is exceedingly difficult, that small section but that is amherstburg for you.
[2:51:21]
>> there is a positive note.
[2:51:24]
[laughter]
[2:51:24]
councilllor meloche. >> thank you.
[2:51:28]
on the cwats program, I am looking at the capital expenses as well as reserves.
[2:51:35]
we have increased the program
[2:51:37]
this year, have we not already
[2:51:37]
significantly?
[2:51:37]
I am looking at page 101.
[2:51:43]
and I am trying to understand
[2:51:55]
is that increase is to continue on to these pieces that have been mentioned or if this extra fund
[2:51:59]
is to start addressing really
[2:52:03]
what will happen to these pieces
[2:52:05]
of infrastructure as they come for repair.
[2:52:06]
I know we don't have a real policy in place as far as replacing that asset so I'm wondering what these funds are for?
[2:52:12]
>> three you, warden, I am on
[2:52:21]
page 101 and I believe if you're talking about the cwats program
[2:52:23]
, that is appendix three.
[2:52:29]
I would divert you to page 161 if you are looking at cwats specifically because that program itself is not increased
[2:52:35]
page 101 is the entire construction and engineering where cwats specifically is
[2:52:39]
Appendix
[2:52:43]
construction and engineering where cwats specifically is
[2:52:43]
Appendix d.
[2:52:43]
m a total levy requirement has
[2:52:45]
not increased in there.
[2:52:47]
, could you help me understand
[2:52:54]
on page 101 at what I am looking at.
[2:52:55]
it says the capital expense for cwats and then the reserves for the cwats program. It went to showing I believe 496,200.
[2:53:10]
is that an increase to the reserves Without going to 161 because I
[2:53:14]
definitely --
[2:53:17]
>> we are looking at that but it
[2:53:20]
could be carryover projects and
[2:53:21]
that might be why there is the difference.
[2:53:22]
we will confirm that with the numbers.
[2:53:23]
>> no problem.
[2:53:28]
I can get that after.
[2:53:31]
further, obviously 2 items on
[2:53:32]
the extra list that are significant to me items ten and
[2:53:37]
14 and I am hoping members of council will support those as they've been highlighted for 2 2 intersections that are in need of improvements and so my question would be to you, I know and here they say levy funded
[2:53:51]
but since they are one time, could they not be tax stabilization funded for those
[2:53:56]
2 projects?
[2:53:56]
>> sorry, I missed the first part, appendix three?
[2:54:04]
>> when we speak with alan about the plan for these types of safety designs and things like
[2:54:14]
that but we have really discovered is it's not one time items it might be a one-time item this year but the program
[2:54:21]
itself, when I spoke to ellinas
[2:54:25]
seems to be about ten years worth of projects that could really happen, they are really digging into not so as of right
[2:54:33]
now, we do not have a reserve
[2:54:36]
specifically for these types of projects because it something
[2:54:40]
new we've undertaken.
[2:54:40]
that is why in that listing we
[2:54:42]
have put it as levy funded so that in the future, if there is
[2:54:46]
more of those which I think there is in the horizon with the
[2:54:49]
plan we have levy dollars to do those same things and I wanted to know with that as well that
[2:54:55]
is just for traffic lights and
[2:54:57]
things like that were as sometimes when they go to the design phase it's actually a roundabout they are suggesting
[2:55:01]
which is 2 million to 5 million depending on how big it is so really we are trying to say let's use levy dollars to build up that program because we see it as a long-term program. >> I understand and further that
[2:55:18]
we are going to crank this program we have started talking about this program but we don't have the dollars funded for and are planning on it this year so those two items could however, be tax stabilization for this
[2:55:29]
year to get them off the books
[2:55:31]
and as we develop this program
[2:55:32]
we will look at the next intersections on the list, is not a possibility?
[2:55:34]
>> yes.
[2:55:38]
using reserves is always a possibility but for long-term planning it's better to use levy
[2:55:42]
dollars but it is a possibility
[2:55:44]
. >> thank you.
[2:55:44]
the final question was item number 18 on the appendix three which is the county admin building generator study.
[2:55:51]
and I realize this is just a study so there is obviously still the cost of the generator replacement but if I am reading this correctly it is saying that if we don't move forward with this, we may not have a reliable energy backup power for
[2:56:08]
our emergency centre.
[2:56:08]
that is a concerning thing to
[2:56:11]
think about that our emergency
[2:56:14]
centre may not have the power
[2:56:16]
needed so this study I'm assuming will identify where we would move with that and still be years away before we would even get to replace his, am I correct on that?
[2:56:25]
>> three you, warden, what I was
[2:56:31]
going to say to the generator
[2:56:33]
study is that we would like to
[2:56:34]
determine our best course of action regarding our administration buildings
[2:56:36]
Emergency
[2:56:38]
action regarding our administration buildings
[2:56:38]
Emergency backup.
[2:56:38]
but we have to be mindful of our commitment to the ieso, this generator feeds back into our grid so we are being mindful of that.
[2:56:49]
we have experience with issues
[2:56:55]
with the existing generator so planning for the future, it is a
[2:56:58]
diesel generator.
[2:56:59]
it is much bigger than we actually need for the building
[2:57:04]
so we want to consider things like that.
[2:57:05]
we want to consider that it's located now on the east side of the building and very close to
[2:57:14]
our air intake so we do experience some complaints when they get fired up and the diesel
[2:57:21]
exhaust gets in the building so it is a combination of planning
[2:57:25]
for the future, picking the right fuel
[2:57:28]
source, putting it in the right location and making
[2:57:31]
sure we do have proper backup for our emergency operations centre
[2:57:36]
, a combination of things but we do need to plan and get
[2:57:39]
ahead of this, early estimates for a generator like this are in
[2:57:45]
the million-dollar range so we want to get that information in
[2:57:48]
hand so that we can start planning for the future.
[2:57:50]
>> thank you.
[2:57:52]
hopefully we are all writing down these numbers in appendix
[2:57:56]
three because there are several
[2:57:57]
things we've heard that are items needed now and not looking at another year from now before we start moving forward with them thank you.
[2:58:04]
>> thank you.
[2:58:07]
councillor akpata. >> we had a brief discussion about this looking at how this
[2:58:17]
department takes care of our cwats trails and things of that nature and I had the privilege
[2:58:20]
and I realize we don't know what
[2:58:22]
will be happening in the future because of the changes that are coming.
[2:58:26]
each of our minutes of polities
[2:58:28]
here have contributed to the infrastructure the assets or
[2:58:31]
whatever term you want to use in
[2:58:31]
the trail network.
[2:58:33]
from your perspective, looking to the future as alan just said,
[2:58:40]
if the ontario government continues with what they are doing and we are eventually folded into the lake erie regional conservation authority
[2:58:47]
, I am looking to understand better what might be coming in the future for the municipalities and contributing to the assets to keep hold of what we have so that we can still control these jams that are in essex county.
[2:59:04]
just a comment because I would like to think to what might happen to this budget next year
[2:59:07]
, thank you >> three you -- through you, the devil is in the details of this amalgamation move, I was contacted by the west ontario wardens caucus to weigh in from
[2:59:24]
the county's perspective on assets owned by conservation authorities.
[2:59:27]
there may be a lack of full awareness at the provincial level of the amount of assets
[2:59:33]
that varies conservation
[2:59:33]
Authorities
[2:59:33]
that varies conservation
[2:59:33]
Authorities own and in essex essex county the owner of three greenway systems tied directly into our complement of the cwats trail that the county and it has
[2:59:49]
been a gem of our region so we certainly have a concern around
[2:59:53]
the ownership of those assets
[2:59:55]
going forward under a new governance model that may wrap us up into a larger geography.
[3:00:00]
beyond the greenway assets, there is also heritage and cultural assets at the conservation authority owns and manages as an example, john.
[3:00:09]
these are things that I have highlighted to advocate on our behalf to ask some specific questions of the province of what is their vision for these
[3:00:18]
assets.
[3:00:18]
the concern that we have is that the province may bucket some of these assets into nonmandatory
[3:00:25]
conservation authority jurisdiction and that then will need to be a conversation around the appetite for a municipality municipality's to either take
[3:00:36]
these assets on and continue to
[3:00:36]
manage and own them or what their future life might look like.
[3:00:39]
as those conversations progress,
[3:00:43]
please know that the county is
[3:00:44]
forwarding information in collaboration I have been in contacti with
[3:00:50]
tim, the ceo, tohave been in contact
[3:00:52]
with tim explain burning that request for information from the the ceo
[3:00:53]
to explain that county.
[3:00:55]
request for information from the county
[3:00:55]
countyand. More information to
[3:00:58]
and more information come but
[3:00:59]
to we come do but we
[3:01:00]
wealso have a concern around the ownership question of those
[3:01:00]
also have concern around the ownership question of those assets assets.
[3:01:02]
.as we have more information,
[3:01:04]
we
[3:01:04]
as we have more information will make we sure we have will make sure we have
[3:01:06]
will make sure we havean updated updated reports to council as report to county counsel as it relates it to relates the
[3:01:10]
operation of infrastructure, planning services and to the operation of
[3:01:10]
Infrastructure
[3:01:10]
services and to the operation of
[3:01:10]
Infrastructure planning services and perhaps perhaps that amalgamation or roll-up of those
[3:01:14]
assets that amalgamation a.
[3:01:15]
rollup of assets in
[3:01:17]
the county operations are by extension I
[3:01:20]
think there's conversation and
[3:01:20]
Opportunity
[3:01:20]
think there's conversation and
[3:01:20]
Opportunity for locals to see
[3:01:24]
whether they want a role to play in those assets as well.
[3:01:25]
greenway evolution they been funded by a number of sources whether through donations to the
[3:01:33]
foundation local, municipal and revenue from irca what you find -- taxpayers of the region invested significantly in these assets and we want to make sure we preserve them. >> thank you madame morden.
[3:01:52]
I wanted to have the discussion
[3:01:53]
because this team touched on a lot of our recreational assets
[3:01:57]
and key components.
[3:01:57]
I think now is the time for us to start to think as to what may happen.
[3:02:03]
a plan that's positive for essex county but I'm not going to hold my breath.
[3:02:11]
thank you madam morden. >> councillor deyong >> thank you.
[3:02:16]
I have a couple of things.
[3:02:18]
I want to start with page 107 and I think it will be an easy
[3:02:21]
answer but there's a list of capital expenditures and several
[3:02:28]
of the items were budgeted in
[3:02:30]
2025.
[3:02:30]
They
[3:02:30]
2025.
[3:02:30]
They weren't projected to be spent in 2025 and there budgeted
[3:02:35]
again in 2026.
[3:02:35]
so you just -- didn't do in 2025 what we thought we were doing the capital expenditures.
[3:02:41]
I'm looking at specifically I think there's pickup trucks, three of those.
[3:02:48]
there's mower and a sweeper truck it's a little bit different but there's several items we budgeted for in 2025 and didn't spend it.
[3:02:59]
it's in 2026 and because I don't
[3:03:03]
see the reserve or levy or whatever are these items carrying over or are they reflecting her levy this year?
[3:03:07]
>> through you a lot of these
[3:03:13]
we are trying to order them when we can but they're not coming in the years of the dollars are not being spent.
[3:03:17]
it doesn't mean we don't need them just you will see the dollars being spent in the following year.
[3:03:21]
and I don't know there's any particular item you are looking at, but some are reserves funded on summer levy funded.
[3:03:31]
it's a mix for the whole program
[3:03:32]
program.
[3:03:32]
>> I'm looking
[3:03:34]
program.
[3:03:34]
>> I'm looking at the four specifically I mentioned because
[3:03:36]
he put them on the 2025 budget
[3:03:38]
. I'm hoping those at least are all reserve funded then.
[3:03:42]
if you want, I can give you the
[3:03:46]
specific lines 3805.
[3:03:51]
they are all 3805, that doesn't
[3:03:54]
help [laughter]
[3:03:55]
although 3805 that have zero in projected are numbers 25 and 26 there's at least -- some would be levy funded.
[3:04:06]
if we don't spend it we put it to reserves and 2025.
[3:04:11]
>> I expect it was in the levy
[3:04:20]
and 22 any five.
[3:04:22]
the fact that it was in the line
[3:04:27]
line, I'm wondering are those
[3:04:31]
being full -- pulled from the reserve?
[3:04:31]
>> they are. >> the one I think is -- I'm curious we budgeted 825 and spent 720 of that and were looking at 400 more.
[3:04:45]
I'm trying to understand those
[3:04:46]
numbers.
[3:04:46]
I think 800 was two and it looks like we bought two and now we're looking for another one.
[3:04:55]
I'm seeing some nodding in the
[3:04:57]
audience.
[3:04:57]
my assumption would be we put
[3:05:04]
in two in the budget last year I believe.
[3:05:04]
we put three in the budget last year so two were purchased and
[3:05:11]
we're purchasing the third next
[3:05:12]
year and I'm assuming the costs were higher than we anticipated
[3:05:14]
we will just confirm with some numbers to make sure.
[3:05:27]
>> three u. Warden just looking
[3:05:38]
at the budget we did budget 800,000 for two loaders last year.
[3:05:41]
we got them at a better price
[3:05:45]
than we thought so we spent only
[3:05:46]
720,000 of that and we are looking for purchase of another loader in 2026.
[3:05:52]
>> if I may, I just have one more thing.
[3:05:57]
on page 159 under the -- I guess
[3:06:05]
it's the construction project listing the second last item is
[3:06:07]
roadway expansion pickets as heritage road extension mccain
[3:06:14]
county road 22 road two west and I talked with my colleague here to figure out how heritage extends from maine and road two.
[3:06:27]
is this the new road not in there yet?
[3:06:43]
>> through you, we listed that
[3:06:55]
under our construction budget.
[3:06:58]
it is particularly for the intersection of heritage road and county road 20.
[3:07:05]
speaking with your administration of the town -- they said they were going to move forward with improvement
[3:07:14]
at the intersection so there would be a county sheriff for that.
[3:07:15]
it's part of a bigger project there working towards in heritage road north to kingsville road two. >> I appreciate that because it doesn't really involve road two at all.
[3:07:30]
that's what threw me. I'm not connecting these roads
[3:07:33]
. Is the intersection specifically
[3:07:36]
heritage on main street not even a four-way and it will be upgraded.
[3:07:39]
just one more thing I had messaged sometime throughout the
[3:07:47]
year asking about county road 20 from heritage to think mccain specifically about pay shoulders
[3:07:54]
shoulders.
[3:07:54]
I don't
[3:07:55]
shoulders.
[3:07:55]
I don't see it here and I think the response I got when I asked about where it was on our plan was for 26.
[3:08:01]
I don't see it here.
[3:08:02]
I don't see it on any of the lists unless I'm missing it.
[3:08:05]
road 20 from heritage to mccain
[3:08:23]
>> through you warden just some clarification.
[3:08:38]
county road 23 to mccain or heritage to mccain. >> my question was because I had
[3:08:50]
gotten questions about the safety of biking.
[3:08:52]
more of our not done yet with
[3:08:59]
no paved shoulders.
[3:08:59]
we have that doughnut with a dense residential out of town so people bike on that. I would have loved to have seen that done which I argue nobody's
[3:09:09]
biking on.
[3:09:11]
when I asked about specifically
[3:09:14]
when this might come up in our plan for that I was sure that it was 26.
[3:09:19]
do we add those shoulders at the same time that come after --
[3:09:26]
>> through you a doesn't look
[3:09:28]
like we included that in our 26 budget.
[3:09:32]
typically we would put paved shoulders on at the same time
[3:09:35]
as we do the resurfacing. And the odd situation we have
[3:09:40]
paid shoulders as standalone projects.
[3:09:40]
>> when we are talking about the various places counter road 18 was upgraded as the road and we
[3:09:51]
put the trail and don't have a
[3:09:54]
plan or how to fund this going
[3:09:58]
forward and I think we will have
[3:10:00]
to start prioritizing were people are actually biking verses were doing the road let's pave the shoulders picker member
[3:10:05]
arguing last budgeted take it
[3:10:08]
off and I voted down against and
[3:10:11]
would've loved to see the dollars go to this road which is actually connecting residential
[3:10:14]
to downtown and would've been way more beneficial.
[3:10:17]
it didn't make the 26 budget. As it may be going to be on next
[3:10:22]
year I want the residents asking me
[3:10:25]
when it doesn't get done because I shared with them it was going
[3:10:28]
to be on the 26 budget.
[3:10:29]
is it on the 27?
[3:10:31]
do we know? Is it on the horizon?
[3:10:32]
>> through you as I understand
[3:10:36]
it it's on the 27 horizon.
[3:10:39]
it also has a local component
[3:10:45]
so the town of kings well we'll have to included on the budget
[3:10:46]
as well.
[3:10:46]
>> anyone else?
[3:10:55]
>> through you just a question if you could look at the budget narrative of page 9 talking about the transit feasibility
[3:11:06]
study Is there a typo that were talks
[3:11:07]
about the regional transit working group will continue discussions in 2026.
[3:11:13]
council approved to begin a trans visibility study.
[3:11:19]
is that 2025 or am I reading that incorrect?
[3:11:22]
>> through you could you repeat
[3:11:28]
. >> it's page 9 of 13 on the narrative report.
[3:11:31]
it talks about council approved
[3:11:38]
100,000 in 2026 to begin and I transit feasibility study.
[3:11:41]
is that 2025, is that a typo or
[3:11:51]
. Is that correct.
[3:11:51]
>> through
[3:11:51]
. Is that correct.
[3:11:51]
>> through you we did have the discussion in 2025 about the transit and regional transit in
[3:11:58]
essex county and through that discussion in the report I was
[3:12:00]
directed to include an amount of money of the 26 budget to begin a transit feasibility study.
[3:12:06]
>> so that clarifies that.
[3:12:11]
there's still the transit working group.
[3:12:12]
I was disappointed to learn the leamington line got denied this
[3:12:17]
year and even in the municipality of leamington I think we need to be serious in terms of having data and look at
[3:12:26]
the cost so we can have regional transit in the county of essex.
[3:12:31]
we need to start somewhere so this hundred thousand will go
[3:12:36]
towards continuing those discussions and come back with a
[3:12:37]
plan and all local municipalities need to have skin in the game when we use the term
[3:12:44]
term.
[3:12:44]
I know a lot do their own transit but we need to be able to connect it We applaud on how it's ec way and we got 161 kilometres yet we cannot even figure out how to
[3:12:58]
do regional transit and we've been talking about it for decades. More than a decade. I'd like to talk about -- I'd like to see that.
[3:13:05]
thank you for clarifying.
[3:13:05]
>> thank you. Councillor rogers. >> thank you and through you, a couple of points.
[3:13:10]
county road 50 feasibility study we had to know this was coming.
[3:13:18]
I know we are going through it
[3:13:20]
and it's coming to fruition soon
[3:13:22]
soon.
[3:13:22]
maybe the first question is an update of where we're at on it
[3:13:23]
>> thank you, through you we are continuing to finalize the feasibility study.
[3:13:32]
that is looking at feasibility of adding transportation to a
[3:13:40]
segment of county road 50 in kingsville just east of conservation boulevard.
[3:13:44]
we've had a public meeting with
[3:13:46]
the community.
[3:13:48]
honestly we're struggling a little bit with the consultant
[3:13:51]
and working to get a product we
[3:13:57]
can share with the public and
[3:13:59]
would like to thank the town of kingsville and your
[3:13:59]
Administration
[3:14:01]
would like to thank the town of kingsville and your
[3:14:01]
Administration for working with
[3:14:01]
us through this project.
[3:14:06]
one thing I could share with council at the moment is it looks like prior to doing any
[3:14:15]
surface work or trail construction there's likely going to have to be some stormwater
[3:14:17]
stormwater's -- solution to that
[3:14:21]
and it would likely be through the municipal drainage process
[3:14:22]
that's likely coming in the near
[3:14:27]
future for council at the town
[3:14:30]
of kingsville to consider.
[3:14:30]
>> is there any items in this
[3:14:37]
budget for that project?
[3:14:37]
>> through you, there is not.
[3:14:42]
we need to get through this feasibility study and bring that
[3:14:45]
recommendation to county counsel and because it was so late in the year we were not able to get
[3:14:52]
it into the 27 -- 26 budget. >> maybe a couple of comments on that.
[3:14:57]
hearing my colleagues talk about
[3:15:02]
road 50 -- it's to my knowledge
[3:15:07]
that the section hasn't been brought before council but this is actually a section approved
[3:15:13]
by council, a feasibility study has been approved for it.
[3:15:14]
there's understanding there's drainage and utility dollars for that project.
[3:15:19]
I think it's only where the county has been out and identified -- we know it's going to be a big project but us waiting and kicking the can down
[3:15:30]
another year for me is we'd like to see some sort of dollar.
[3:15:32]
with dollars coming out for the
[3:15:35]
project my hope is from the feasibility study within the same pocket maybe there's some dollars there for us to continue to move this project forward.
[3:15:45]
I'd hate for it to be a stalemate over another year because we know there will be
[3:15:49]
a lot of work and not doubting -- have to take some land there.
[3:15:55]
there's a lot of things that will be done if we move forward. We delayed another year then it's another year and continuing
[3:16:02]
to kick it down the road.
[3:16:03]
maybe a couple of comments, please.
[3:16:05]
>> thank you, through you warden
[3:16:08]
warden.
[3:16:08]
I believe there are differences
[3:16:10]
between county road 50 and in kingsville.
[3:16:14]
one that comes to mind is I'm certain the project and abbess
[3:16:20]
berg is part of the current network.
[3:16:23]
it was one of the projects further into the future and it
[3:16:27]
wasn't one of the low hanging
[3:16:29]
fruits that we could tackle easily so it's been on the books
[3:16:31]
and planning for that.
[3:16:33]
the project in kingsville I believe was set aside because of the difficulties and because of the work they done on their own
[3:16:43]
to find another solution to complete that active
[3:16:43]
Transportation
[3:16:47]
to find another solution to complete that active
[3:16:47]
Transportation facility.
[3:16:47]
-- there was a solution currently in play and I wouldn't
[3:17:04]
want to leave council of the idea they will be doing anything in 2026 with that project.
[3:17:08]
it'll be brought back for council's consideration because
[3:17:11]
I am of the opinion that the first that will be a drainage
[3:17:16]
solution that likely get started
[3:17:19]
if things fall in line in the
[3:17:20]
right reports get written to the
[3:17:23]
different councils I could start
[3:17:23]
this year.
[3:17:23]
>> I like the word could.
[3:17:30]
thank you. >> anyone else?
[3:17:31]
there is a recommendation for council that the presentation
[3:17:42]
infrastructure and planning
[3:17:42]
Services
[3:17:42]
infrastructure and planning
[3:17:42]
Services budget -- the estimates
[3:17:46]
for infrastructure planning services be received or received and approved.
[3:17:50]
looking for your direction. Councillor gibb. >> received and approved. >> councillor gibb.
[3:17:59]
looking for a second or. Councillor rogers pick any discussion of the motion?
[3:18:01]
we will ask you to vote electronically please.
[3:18:17]
and that's carried.
[3:18:33]
it's now time for lunch so I'm going to need a motion to recess for a 30 minute lunch break.
[3:18:44]
it's 12:18. I'm looking at 12:48.
[3:18:47]
a mover and a second or moved
[3:18:53]
by councillor meloche.
[3:18:53]
seconded by council prue. All in favour. I will ask you to sit for minute because we have some instructions.
[3:18:58]
all in favour and nobody wants to go.
[3:19:01]
that's approved.
[3:19:01]
the note from the clerk is please enter the kitchen by the
[3:19:07]
main hallway, not the eerie room for the lunch key when she's asking council vote first.
[3:19:13]
don't you like to be the ones that go first?
[3:19:16]
were good? understood?
[3:19:20]
great.
[3:24:59]
>> speaker-01: I'm going to call the meeting to order.
[4:04:03]
is after 1:00.
[4:04:05]
we are going to start the next
[4:04:06]
session of budget with the essex
[4:04:09]
essex county library.
[4:04:10]
for that we have adam cracknell
[4:04:14]
chief librarian to present the
[4:04:15]
2026 budget estimates.
[4:04:16]
over to you, adam.
[4:04:17]
>> thank you, madame morden.
[4:04:20]
the 2025 was the first full year
[4:04:23]
of work toward the goal set up
[4:04:25]
in the recent essex strategic
[4:04:27]
plan and that includes the mission statement before you.
[4:04:30]
the idea of the library being
[4:04:32]
a space for discovery for all of
[4:04:34]
the heart of our committees has
[4:04:35]
been rocked -- brought to life
[4:04:37]
by the work our staff have been
[4:04:39]
doing across 14 branches.
[4:04:40]
we see substantial measurable
[4:04:41]
increases in engagement, particularly with programming
[4:04:45]
and do user sign-ups.
[4:04:46]
for example, between february
[4:04:48]
and november of this year, we
[4:04:49]
welcomed over 1000 new memberships to the library.
[4:04:51]
I think this reinforces the notion that the library is an
[4:04:56]
important part of more and more
[4:04:58]
community members lives.
[4:04:58]
taking it a step further, the
[4:05:02]
essex county libraries vision
[4:05:04]
statement that you have here emphasizes connecting its patrons to information and entertainment.
[4:05:08]
our responsive service and community embedded staff contribute to positioning the
[4:05:14]
library as a cornerstone of of county services.
[4:05:15]
we are not emergency medicine
[4:05:20]
nor housing but I think it could
[4:05:22]
be argued that the library provides critical service in support of increasing quality
[4:05:27]
of life for every resident of essex
[4:05:30]
essex county.
[4:05:30]
we foster lifelong learning and
[4:05:31]
community engagement in ways that few other organizations do
[4:05:35]
post-pandemic, we have continued
[4:05:37]
building woman meant -- momentum
[4:05:38]
toward achieving the vision.
[4:05:39]
our staff delivered 2242 programs between january and november of this year.
[4:05:44]
this was over 84,000 patrons across the county.
[4:05:49]
by comparison in all of 2024,
[4:05:51]
we had a 77,000 program attendees
[4:05:52]
we've already surpassed our 2024
[4:05:57]
totals and had record-breaking
[4:05:58]
months in july and october of
[4:05:59]
this year.
[4:05:59]
I'm here today to ask for what
[4:06:03]
we believe is a modest increase
[4:06:06]
tied largely to negotiated changes in salary and benefits
[4:06:09]
our net departmental requirement
[4:06:10]
has gone from 7,006,460 in 2025
[4:06:14]
to 7,165,280 in 2026.
[4:06:19]
this is not discretionary cost
[4:06:21]
growth.
[4:06:22]
this is tied to salary and benefits.
[4:06:23]
as you can see, staffing costs
[4:06:28]
account for the line share of
[4:06:30]
this budget at 71.8 percent, followed by material costs.
[4:06:33]
that is cost associated with books and dvds and other loanable materials, at about 12% 12%.
[4:06:39]
what this meant during the preparation process for today,
[4:06:42]
we took a deep look at historically under spent the budget lines and reallocated accordingly to ensure that our
[4:06:47]
core functions are being met and
[4:06:49]
that there is very little fat
[4:06:51]
on this budget.
[4:06:51]
as mentioned, the 2026 budget
[4:06:57]
includes request for increases
[4:06:58]
of 128,000 dollars for wages and
[4:07:04]
another 30,700 for benefit cost
[4:07:05]
overall, the proposed request
[4:07:09]
accounts and amounts to 2.3% increase over the 2025 budget,
[4:07:13]
this level of increase would allow us to maintain our current
[4:07:16]
staffing levels, which in turn
[4:07:17]
allows the library to continue
[4:07:18]
providing quality, community service at all 14 branches.
[4:07:23]
with that, I would be happy to
[4:07:26]
answer any questions.
[4:07:27]
>> thank you.
[4:07:29]
questions for our chief librarian?
[4:07:30]
councilor deyong.
[4:07:31]
>> I think I know the answer but
[4:07:36]
on the salaries, students from
[4:07:37]
2025 of this budget a 200,000,
[4:07:40]
we didn't spend any of that towards not propose we will.
[4:07:43]
and we are looking for 328 for
[4:07:46]
26.
[4:07:46]
so it is up $130,000.
[4:07:47]
even though we didn't have any
[4:07:50]
projected for 2025.
[4:07:51]
but I see part-time is down by
[4:07:53]
almost three something.
[4:07:57]
is that the difference?
[4:07:58]
>> there are a couple of items
[4:08:00]
here where we moved things around.
[4:08:02]
the costing stayed the same, if
[4:08:05]
I'm not mistaken.
[4:08:06]
we actually sort of changed the
[4:08:08]
naming on the budget lines.
[4:08:09]
there is another place where you
[4:08:10]
will see electronic data and hosting services.
[4:08:14]
it has us asking for zero dollars there but that funding
[4:08:19]
is actually moved to another client.
[4:08:20]
is a more descriptive and were
[4:08:21]
appropriate.
[4:08:22]
it is actually not a change in
[4:08:25]
the dollars we are asking.
[4:08:27]
please correct me if I am speaking.
[4:08:28]
it's not a change in the dollars
[4:08:30]
we are asking, just moving into
[4:08:31]
other places where they are more
[4:08:33]
appropriate.
[4:08:33]
>> that's what I figured.
[4:08:37]
students are part-timers and that's why the two lines are interchangeable.
[4:08:40]
thank you.
[4:08:40]
>> anyone else?
[4:08:42]
deputy warden.
[4:08:45]
>> thank you.
[4:08:45]
adam for preventing
[4:08:50]
the ball it -- the budget.
[4:08:52]
the library board, we have many
[4:08:57]
councillors to sit on the library board, a councilor from
[4:09:07]
la salle and leamington and kingsville.
[4:09:08]
I'm very proud working with this
[4:09:12]
budget in terms of offering the
[4:09:13]
programs and just to mention,
[4:09:17]
I know throughout a him, there is
[4:09:19]
a lot of increase in terms of
[4:09:21]
the surplus books due to the flood and so a lot of these discarded books have been put
[4:09:27]
to good use.
[4:09:27]
there are several board members
[4:09:28]
that took advantage of having
[4:09:30]
community events.
[4:09:30]
I encourage anyone, if there are
[4:09:34]
any groups or people that you
[4:09:36]
know please share the word, contact adam and he will connect
[4:09:39]
you with that and you can have
[4:09:41]
a community free book giveaway.
[4:09:43]
thank you for fostering that,
[4:09:44]
into your staff as well.
[4:09:45]
thank you.
[4:09:45]
>> councilor bondy.
[4:09:49]
>> thank you, warden macdonald
[4:09:50]
it is a solid budget.
[4:09:55]
not asking for any real increases.
[4:09:56]
my question is more, we know the
[4:10:01]
herald library had a division
[4:10:02]
c in -- a deficiency in stop for
[4:10:04]
a while.
[4:10:04]
are there any branches that are
[4:10:06]
lacking staff right now and if
[4:10:10]
so is this something you are
[4:10:12]
looking to be addressed in 2027?
[4:10:14]
>> if the question is do we need
[4:10:23]
-- I can always do more with more.
[4:10:25]
I think maintaining our current
[4:10:27]
level of service, we are seeing
[4:10:29]
it pay off in 2027 we could look
[4:10:31]
at it over the course of 26.
[4:10:33]
if there were a need to adjust
[4:10:35]
staffing levels, we would certainly come back to the table
[4:10:37]
and ask in 27.
[4:10:38]
>> it is something that of of course I will bring up at the
[4:10:44]
board but I wanted to ask that
[4:10:46]
question here as well because
[4:10:47]
we know that numbers are going up
[4:10:49]
, circulation is trending up.
[4:10:50]
I want to make sure the current
[4:10:51]
level of stuff like any other
[4:10:53]
service we provide is adequate
[4:10:54]
in that when we get new branches
[4:10:56]
as well, it could potentially
[4:11:02]
need more hours in the future.
[4:11:03]
that is something that I want
[4:11:04]
to make sure we are looking at.
[4:11:06]
every time we get a new branch
[4:11:08]
, there is a renewed energy in that community.
[4:11:10]
so thank you.
[4:11:10]
whenever the discussion is right
[4:11:14]
right, I will make a motion to
[4:11:16]
support the budget.
[4:11:17]
>> thank you.
[4:11:18]
anyone else?
[4:11:18]
seeing there is no one else, there is a recommendation before
[4:11:30]
council that the presentation
[4:11:31]
for the proposed 2026 essex essex county library board budget be received, and further
[4:11:36]
that the 2026 budget estimates
[4:11:39]
for essex county library board
[4:11:40]
be received or received and approved.
[4:11:41]
councilor bondy, what is your
[4:11:45]
wish?
[4:11:45]
>> may I please receive and approve.
[4:11:46]
>> moved by councilor bondy to
[4:11:50]
receive and approve.
[4:11:51]
second -- seconder?
[4:11:53]
deputy warden.
[4:11:55]
any discussion on the motion?
[4:11:58]
seeing none, I will ask you to
[4:12:00]
vote electronically.
[4:12:00]
that is carried.
[4:12:11]
thank you.
[4:12:11]
thanks, adam.
[4:12:14]
thank you, finance team.
[4:12:18]
next up, we have general government services.
[4:12:23]
for that report, we have melissa
[4:12:24]
ryan, our director of financial
[4:12:32]
services and treasury.
[4:12:33]
we have david something, our director of legal legislative.
[4:12:36]
darrell la ronde oh, our director of I.t. Information and
[4:12:40]
we have -- are we going to have
[4:12:44]
danielle or are you going to do
[4:12:45]
that?
[4:12:46]
danielle is going to do it.
[4:12:47]
okay.
[4:12:47]
interim director human resources
[4:12:48]
resources.
[4:12:48]
but there is no chair for you.
[4:12:51]
we are going to switch.
[4:12:57]
perfect.
[4:12:57]
over to you.
[4:12:58]
>> thank you.
[4:12:58]
the next department for discussion is the general government services area.
[4:13:04]
for this presentation of the warden alluded to, the four directors will present each representing their respective
[4:13:10]
areas.
[4:13:10]
the general government department is made up of several
[4:13:14]
key divisions that provide the
[4:13:16]
backbone of county operations.
[4:13:17]
as a whole, this department plays a strategic role offering
[4:13:21]
leadership legal and financial
[4:13:22]
guidance and setting policies
[4:13:24]
that support all county services
[4:13:25]
services.
[4:13:25]
the council services budget couples -- covers council remuneration and all related expenses corporate management
[4:13:31]
includes the ceos office and legislative services which handles legal matters, records
[4:13:36]
management medication and organizational development.
[4:13:39]
financial services also oversees
[4:13:41]
procurement while information
[4:13:42]
technology and tune resources
[4:13:43]
round out the team providing essential systems, tools and support across the organization
[4:13:47]
as you can see on this slide,
[4:13:57]
the overall general government
[4:13:57]
area shows an increase of just
[4:13:59]
over 1 million, bringing the total net department total requirement to just over 9.5 million.
[4:14:02]
this change reflects adjustments
[4:14:03]
across all four divisions within
[4:14:04]
the department.
[4:14:05]
at this point, I will turn things over to mr. David something our director of legislative and community services county solicitors walk
[4:14:10]
through his area in more detail
[4:14:11]
>> corporate management reflects
[4:14:16]
the combined operations of both
[4:14:17]
the office of the cao and the
[4:14:19]
legislative and legal services
[4:14:20]
department.
[4:14:20]
the draft budget before council
[4:14:23]
is very much a status quo budget
[4:14:25]
from my department's perspective
[4:14:26]
perspective.
[4:14:26]
we are not seeking any additional amounts.
[4:14:29]
in fact, there's a 15.5% decrease in the court manage --
[4:14:32]
or budget which is a $430,000
[4:14:36]
decrease.
[4:14:36]
that reduction is due to staffing realignment and a new
[4:14:39]
admission ration cost recovery
[4:14:40]
that's being said, there are two
[4:14:43]
business cases at appendix three
[4:14:44]
that I would be happy to take
[4:14:46]
any questions on.
[4:14:47]
in 2026, now that's a number of
[4:14:51]
departmental changes have been
[4:14:52]
implemented in the past two years corporate management will
[4:14:54]
continue to focus on being a dependable resource other county
[4:14:58]
departments and across the region.
[4:15:00]
we provide support to other departments in county but we are
[4:15:07]
also hereto and I think we do
[4:15:09]
supports council.
[4:15:09]
for the -- pass number of years
[4:15:11]
, the corporate management group
[4:15:13]
has become a resource that local
[4:15:16]
municipalities rely on for sharing ideas, best practices
[4:15:20]
and promoting everyone working
[4:15:20]
together as a region.
[4:15:21]
this is the case of the county
[4:15:24]
cao taking lead in regular meetings.
[4:15:26]
the county clerk taking a regular meeting with local clerks.
[4:15:29]
and the county's lister and deputy solicitor recently taken
[4:15:32]
the lead in ensuring the legal
[4:15:33]
departments and the county meet
[4:15:34]
regularly.
[4:15:35]
this work was already underway
[4:15:39]
prior to this plan being adopted
[4:15:40]
adopted.
[4:15:40]
with that plan in place, we recognize the importance of focusing on this work to ensure
[4:15:45]
that we are advancing the strategic goals of working as
[4:15:49]
team essex county, and growing
[4:15:50]
as leaders in public service excellence.
[4:15:52]
one of the other strategic direction set by council is the
[4:15:57]
county should focus on being an
[4:15:59]
employer with impacts.
[4:16:01]
the communication division will
[4:16:01]
take the lead on employing excellence awards and ensuring
[4:16:05]
long service is acknowledged,
[4:16:08]
refining existing engagement opportunities and reviewing the
[4:16:11]
recently completed employee engagement survey.
[4:16:12]
further, the strategic plan also
[4:16:16]
calls for advancing truth and
[4:16:18]
reconciliation at the county.
[4:16:19]
relations with indigenous communities built in our area.
[4:16:21]
it will advance key strategic
[4:16:25]
goal the county taking steps
[4:16:27]
to engage a consultant to assist
[4:16:28]
in developing a plan to ensure we
[4:16:30]
are meeting our obligations to
[4:16:31]
our indigenous peoples.
[4:16:32]
it's anticipated the plan will
[4:16:33]
be ready for council's review
[4:16:35]
in 2026.
[4:16:35]
in 2021, the county had a consultant review the county's
[4:16:42]
records and information management program.
[4:16:44]
as that plan, a review is outdated and budgetary pressures
[4:16:49]
prevented the county from implementing some of those key
[4:16:51]
recommendations.
[4:16:51]
the environment for how records
[4:16:55]
are stored electronically has
[4:16:57]
changed significantly since then
[4:16:58]
then.
[4:16:58]
a review of the plan will be completed in 2026.
[4:17:00]
the goal is to ensure our records management plan is appropriate and builds on the
[4:17:06]
county
[4:17:06]
county's commitment to effective
[4:17:07]
records management and insurers
[4:17:09]
organize and secure management
[4:17:10]
of critical information.
[4:17:11]
with sets, I will throw it over
[4:17:18]
to melissa.
[4:17:18]
>> thank you.
[4:17:22]
financial services has another
[4:17:23]
busy year ahead, as we continue
[4:17:25]
modernizing how we do business
[4:17:26]
a lot of the big foundational
[4:17:28]
work started in 2025 and in 2026
[4:17:29]
we will be putting it into motion especially with the rollout of the new budget software to utilize for the 2027
[4:17:36]
county budget and the continuing
[4:17:37]
modules over a new human resources information system a
[4:17:40]
form.
[4:17:40]
of these tools make budgeting
[4:17:42]
and financial planning easier,
[4:17:43]
clear and more efficient for everyone across the organization
[4:17:46]
organization.
[4:17:46]
it will also keep focusing on
[4:17:48]
the things that strengthen the
[4:17:49]
county
[4:17:49]
county's long-term financial position helping departments
[4:17:52]
with deeper financial analysis
[4:17:53]
, more strategic procurement report -- support and making sure we get good value for the
[4:17:57]
contracts we enter into.
[4:17:59]
all the behind-the-scenes work
[4:18:00]
that protects the levee and supports good decision-making.
[4:18:02]
one of the bigger items in this
[4:18:05]
years finance budget is the 1 million-dollar contribution
[4:18:07]
toward the ems hub and capital
[4:18:09]
plan.
[4:18:09]
this is a levy funded item exactly in line with the funding
[4:18:13]
model council received in august
[4:18:14]
august.
[4:18:14]
it keeps us on track so when we
[4:18:17]
move forward with these land purchases design and construction the reserve capacity will be in place or at
[4:18:22]
the very least we have a plan
[4:18:25]
to replenish what is being depleted
[4:18:26]
depleted.
[4:18:26]
a quick note on internal recoveries you will see movement between general government departments this year
[4:18:31]
year.
[4:18:31]
that's mainly reallocating cost
[4:18:32]
where they more accurately live
[4:18:35]
it looks busy but doesn't change
[4:18:37]
the overall amounts.
[4:18:38]
for example, there was -- there
[4:18:40]
were legal recoveries previously
[4:18:42]
housed in finance however they
[4:18:44]
were moved to the corporate management area to reflect support they provide to other
[4:18:48]
departments.
[4:18:48]
finally, one small comment, earlier this year presented a
[4:18:52]
report on the county's credit
[4:18:54]
rating as there was -- questions
[4:18:55]
about the cost benefit of this
[4:18:57]
exercise.
[4:18:58]
there are no dollars included
[4:18:59]
in the draft budget for the credit
[4:19:01]
rating report at this time.
[4:19:02]
if council wants to added back
[4:19:03]
in that certainly can be done
[4:19:05]
at the end of the meeting today
[4:19:07]
otherwise, there is the 2025 report which you saw on the consent agenda.
[4:19:11]
the county did receive a aaa credit rating so that will hold
[4:19:15]
until the annual process is due
[4:19:17]
for renewal.
[4:19:17]
at that time, I would advise smp
[4:19:20]
we will not continue with the
[4:19:22]
credit rating process.
[4:19:22]
with that, I turn it over to daryl our director of information technology.
[4:19:27]
>> thank you.
[4:19:27]
for giving me the opportunity to speak with you
[4:19:33]
today about the proposed 2026
[4:19:35]
information technology services
[4:19:36]
budget.
[4:19:36]
I would like to start by acknowledging the hard work of
[4:19:39]
the small but mighty I.t. Team
[4:19:41]
that made 2025 a successful year
[4:19:44]
for our department, particularly
[4:19:45]
in advancing several key initiatives.
[4:19:47]
in july 2025, we took another
[4:19:51]
step toward centralizing our service delivery model by onboarding our business analyst
[4:19:54]
since then, we've made significant progress in understanding our application
[4:19:59]
landscape our data structures
[4:20:00]
and how our employees use our
[4:20:03]
systems.
[4:20:03]
we've already seen immediate results for bringing in the business world into the organization especially project
[4:20:10]
engagement and helping move several initiatives across the
[4:20:12]
finish line.
[4:20:13]
in early 2025, we also implemented and launched our managed detection and response
[4:20:20]
system service through field effects in partnership with tell
[4:20:22]
us work this investment has already paid dividends as our
[4:20:28]
modern provider alerted us to
[4:20:30]
attempted logins from russian
[4:20:31]
threat actors trying to access
[4:20:33]
our environment.
[4:20:34]
this validated the importance
[4:20:36]
and urgency of enhancing our cybersecurity initiatives.
[4:20:37]
in the third quarter of 2025,
[4:20:42]
we upgraded our firewall, which was
[4:20:43]
long overdue replacement.
[4:20:44]
this upgrade has allowed us to
[4:20:49]
implement stronger security controls including geo-fencing
[4:20:51]
and stricter access rules, helping us better protect the
[4:20:54]
county
[4:20:54]
county's environment.
[4:20:55]
we also made strategic staffing
[4:20:58]
improvements this year.
[4:20:58]
one of our help desk analyst positions was reclassified into
[4:21:02]
a help desk lead role.
[4:21:03]
this change has strengthened our
[4:21:05]
ability to coordinate daily operations assigned tasks effectively and ensure urgent
[4:21:11]
issues are prioritized appropriately.
[4:21:12]
finally, this quarter has been
[4:21:15]
especially exciting as we successfully advanced our microsoft 365 project.
[4:21:19]
over the past few weeks, we have
[4:21:22]
onboarding staff to exchange online implemented teams and
[4:21:24]
enabled cloud-based collaboration tools.
[4:21:25]
we are now moving into the design phase of our sharepoint
[4:21:31]
environment with targeted implementation in the first and
[4:21:33]
second quarters of 2026.
[4:21:35]
thank you to council for your
[4:21:37]
support of these initiatives in
[4:21:38]
2025.
[4:21:38]
in 2026, we continue advancing
[4:21:43]
the work recommended through the
[4:21:44]
2023 service delivery review.
[4:21:47]
in the proposed budget, you will
[4:21:49]
see line items related to improving network availability
[4:21:52]
, dependability and software and
[4:21:54]
service monitoring tools.
[4:21:55]
these tools will allow us to better monitor the performance
[4:22:00]
of our environment, proactively
[4:22:01]
detect issues and receive alerts
[4:22:02]
before outages occur.
[4:22:03]
if systems or services go down
[4:22:07]
, our enhanced visibility will ensure we are aware of the issues immediately and are able
[4:22:13]
to respond before users are able
[4:22:14]
to report on these issues.
[4:22:16]
in addition, we will continue
[4:22:19]
exploring efficiency tools recommended through the service
[4:22:22]
delivery review, particularly
[4:22:23]
those that are now available to
[4:22:25]
us through our recent microsoft
[4:22:26]
365 migration.
[4:22:26]
as part of the county's mission
[4:22:29]
, the I.t. Department will strengthen relationships with
[4:22:32]
other I.t. Departments in the
[4:22:36]
region as well as other locals
[4:22:37]
thought leaders, building this
[4:22:39]
community of practice will help
[4:22:40]
us.
[4:22:41]
knowledge, align emerging best
[4:22:43]
practices and implement solutions that benefit the broader region.
[4:22:47]
finally, we will continue our
[4:22:49]
cloud migration journey.
[4:22:49]
now that the county is operating
[4:22:51]
on microsoft 365, we will further embrace cloud services
[4:22:55]
to support and improve service
[4:22:57]
delivery.
[4:22:57]
in this budget, you will see references to our as were environment now rebranded by
[4:23:03]
microsoft as microsoft entre.
[4:23:04]
this transition is important as
[4:23:08]
it will enable greater administrative control, stronger
[4:23:11]
governance and improve protection from threat actors.
[4:23:12]
the current slide identifies business cases I.t. Submitted
[4:23:19]
for consideration.
[4:23:19]
if there are any questions, I'm
[4:23:20]
happy to answer them at the end
[4:23:22]
of these presentations.
[4:23:23]
but we will continue to strengthen our cybersecurity posture.
[4:23:27]
this includes ongoing initiatives such as our no before security awareness training program, which will remain a core component to our
[4:23:36]
defence strategy.
[4:23:37]
we will also be upgrading our
[4:23:39]
mobile device management platform.
[4:23:39]
this upgrade will improve our
[4:23:44]
management capabilities while
[4:23:45]
also providing cost savings for
[4:23:46]
the organization.
[4:23:47]
we will be performing additional
[4:23:50]
network upgrades throughout the
[4:23:52]
year enabling improved monitoring of our network quality access device management
[4:23:54]
management.
[4:23:54]
in 2025, the county also created
[4:23:59]
an ai policy and is working on
[4:24:01]
an ai framework.
[4:24:02]
building on that momentum, one
[4:24:04]
of our top parties for 2026 is
[4:24:06]
run an ai productivity pilot in
[4:24:09]
the county.
[4:24:09]
now the work really operating
[4:24:11]
within the microsoft 365 environment we plan to work with approximately 25 users who
[4:24:16]
will be identified early in the
[4:24:18]
new year to evaluate how the paid version of microsoft pilot
[4:24:21]
can help reduce time spent on
[4:24:23]
routine task and improve our overall productivity.
[4:24:26]
we will also continue our full
[4:24:28]
transition into the microsoft
[4:24:32]
365 ecosystem, by establishing
[4:24:32]
our sharepoint environment.
[4:24:33]
this will expand our ability to
[4:24:36]
support asynchronous and synchronous collaboration across
[4:24:39]
employees teams, departments
[4:24:41]
and partner organizations.
[4:24:41]
thank you very much.
[4:24:44]
I will handed over to danielle
[4:24:45]
lappage.
[4:24:45]
>> thank you, worden.
[4:24:53]
through you to county council,
[4:24:55]
to strengthen the service delivery and meet increasing operational demands, the 2026
[4:25:01]
budget includes two new hr positions a shared human resource generalist to support
[4:25:06]
ems and sun parlor homes and a
[4:25:09]
human resources assistant to facilitate the implementation
[4:25:13]
and administration of the redesigned attendant support policy.
[4:25:16]
together, these additions will
[4:25:19]
enhance recruitment, compliance
[4:25:20]
and employee support across the
[4:25:22]
corporation helping to optimize
[4:25:24]
the potential of every employee
[4:25:26]
and ensure sustainable service
[4:25:27]
delivery.
[4:25:27]
this slide outlines hr's priorities for 2026 for collective bargaining in 2026,
[4:25:39]
hr will engage in collective bargaining with 5 of 6 union groups.
[4:25:43]
this will be a key area of focus
[4:25:45]
focus, particularly for the first half of the year.
[4:25:48]
our objective is to engage in
[4:25:51]
respectful collaborative negotiations that recognize the
[4:25:54]
valuable contributions of the
[4:25:55]
workforce while ensuring fiscal
[4:25:56]
sustainability.
[4:25:56]
building on the recruitment enhancements meet in 2025, hr
[4:26:02]
will continue to strengthen strategies that attract and retain diverse, skilled and motivated employees.
[4:26:09]
will refine onboarding processes
[4:26:10]
processes, that has the candidate experience and ensure
[4:26:13]
equity and accessibility at every stage.
[4:26:15]
in addition, we will continue
[4:26:16]
to assess compensation and benefit
[4:26:20]
offerings to maintain competitiveness in the labor market.
[4:26:22]
for employee development and training in 2026, we will continue to expand leadership
[4:26:29]
and professional development opportunities including the quarterly leadership meetings
[4:26:34]
to strengthen organizational capacity and support long-term
[4:26:36]
success.
[4:26:36]
in 2026, the implementation of
[4:26:42]
the refreshed attendance support
[4:26:43]
policy will be a major focus,
[4:26:45]
providing a proactive and supportive framework for addressing attendance concerns
[4:26:49]
and encouraging open communication between employees
[4:26:51]
and leaders.
[4:26:51]
a positive and inclusive culture
[4:26:56]
is a foundational to employee
[4:26:58]
engagement and retention.
[4:26:58]
building on a culture -- building on the culture conversations initiated in 2025,
[4:27:04]
hr will lead the next phase of
[4:27:06]
this work in 2026, expanding discussions countywide to reinforce shared values, expectations and daily practices
[4:27:14]
that contribute to a respectful
[4:27:15]
and collaborative workplace.
[4:27:16]
ensuring policies remain current
[4:27:20]
current, compliant and reflective of best practices will continue to be a key priority.
[4:27:25]
hr will continue to take systemic policy reviews and updates to align with the evolving legislation and county
[4:27:31]
operations.
[4:27:31]
following the successful implementation of the new human
[4:27:37]
resource information system in
[4:27:38]
2025 the 2026 focus includes
[4:27:42]
deploying the workforce management and scheduling module
[4:27:45]
to improve integration and enable data-driven insights for
[4:27:47]
workforce planning.
[4:27:47]
finally, from a health and safety and emergency management
[4:27:52]
perspective as the county grows
[4:27:54]
grows, hr will continue to strengthen its health and safety
[4:27:57]
and emergency programs to ensure
[4:27:59]
all workplaces meet or exceed
[4:28:01]
regulatory requirements.
[4:28:01]
we will have targeted training
[4:28:03]
, especially in emergency management and continue to promote a culture of shared responsibility for workplace safety.
[4:28:09]
with that, over to you.
[4:28:11]
>> that concludes the general
[4:28:19]
general government area.
[4:28:20]
if anyone has any questions for
[4:28:22]
any of the directors, please feel free to ask at this time.
[4:28:25]
>> thank you.
[4:28:27]
are there questions?
[4:28:28]
we start with councilor prue.
[4:28:30]
>> thank you.
[4:28:30]
I have two questions.
[4:28:32]
the first has to do with truth
[4:28:34]
and reconciliation.
[4:28:35]
I noticed that that was one of
[4:28:37]
the elements that's going to be
[4:28:39]
dealt with this year.
[4:28:40]
can you tell me with whom are
[4:28:43]
you going to deal in developing
[4:28:44]
this process?
[4:28:45]
I would take it probably caldwell first nations and may
[4:28:49]
be another.
[4:28:50]
is there anyone else on that list that will be first -- that
[4:28:52]
will be consulted?
[4:28:53]
>> we are -- it may have been
[4:28:59]
issued today or yesterday, an
[4:29:00]
rfp to find a consultant to assist us.
[4:29:02]
in advance of that, letters were
[4:29:05]
sent out to caldwell first first nation and indigenous group at the university of windsor and they can then friendship centre so the three
[4:29:13]
local indigenous groups that we
[4:29:17]
are aware of have received letters from us, asking that they participate in the process
[4:29:21]
>> are there any other groups
[4:29:27]
that you may want to use?
[4:29:29]
I'm just thinking in terms of
[4:29:32]
some of the work that some of
[4:29:35]
them do.
[4:29:35]
there are groups out there that
[4:29:36]
you provide child care.
[4:29:37]
there out there that provide help for older people, for poverty reduction, for a number
[4:29:46]
of things that are aboriginal
[4:29:47]
base.
[4:29:47]
are you dealing with any of them
[4:29:49]
them?
[4:29:49]
>> I think the vision was, once
[4:29:53]
we have a consultant in place,
[4:29:55]
we will for grow two we should
[4:29:57]
be involving in the process.
[4:29:58]
we thought it was appropriate
[4:29:59]
to ensure that those in the region
[4:30:01]
who are recognized indigenous
[4:30:04]
groups should be advised in advance and that's why rewrote
[4:30:09]
to caldwell first nation and the
[4:30:12]
two other groups in the city.
[4:30:13]
>> are they going to advise on
[4:30:18]
the person to conduct the study
[4:30:19]
or are they part of the study?
[4:30:21]
>> they have been asked to participate in the process and
[4:30:27]
that the rfp was being issued.
[4:30:29]
>> that would be my question.
[4:30:31]
but I do have a question for someone else.
[4:30:34]
>> any other questions?
[4:30:38]
I will go to councilor rogers
[4:30:47]
and then come back to you.
[4:30:48]
>> may be a clarification piece
[4:30:50]
on the truth and reconciliation
[4:30:52]
I believe there are 21 steps within the municipality as far
[4:30:59]
as the road to truth and reconciliation.
[4:31:02]
maybe if you could comment on
[4:31:07]
that item, where we're at as far
[4:31:08]
as those steps.
[4:31:09]
I understand we want to be respectful and ensure we are taking those steps but there is
[4:31:13]
a booklet that says what municipalities should be doing
[4:31:15]
if we are not doing those items
[4:31:18]
first, to me it doesn't make sense to reach out and find more
[4:31:21]
items that we should be doing
[4:31:23]
before something that's actually
[4:31:24]
been documented for us to do first.
[4:31:26]
>> we have limited capabilities
[4:31:32]
here at this stage to know what
[4:31:35]
we should be doing going forward
[4:31:36]
forward.
[4:31:36]
that's the purpose of bringing
[4:31:38]
in a consultant to say what should the county be doing?
[4:31:41]
this year, for example, I'm not
[4:31:42]
sure when we started the process
[4:31:45]
but we do land to him -- land
[4:31:48]
acknowledgements at council meetings.
[4:31:49]
we ensure truth and reconciliation day that there
[4:31:53]
is an event here at the county to
[4:31:55]
recognize that.
[4:31:56]
we are doing what we can do.
[4:31:57]
but now we are going to come up
[4:32:00]
to a fulsome plan specific to
[4:32:03]
the county with our local indigenous partners.
[4:32:04]
>> further three you, madame worden we are using that book
[4:32:11]
for reference, and again I think
[4:32:14]
it's 21 items, 20 items.
[4:32:15]
you mentioned a couple of them
[4:32:17]
but there were more items there
[4:32:19]
so my question is is that's going to be a consultant going
[4:32:23]
to tell us the other items that
[4:32:24]
have to be done when we already
[4:32:26]
have the information.
[4:32:27]
my point is we have information
[4:32:29]
, we haven't may be completed anything on that list.
[4:32:32]
what's the point of bringing in
[4:32:34]
another consultant when there
[4:32:35]
is still work to be done?
[4:32:36]
maybe it's a question for the
[4:32:38]
cao?
[4:32:38]
>> the rfp we have is to develop
[4:32:45]
truth and reconciliation action
[4:32:46]
plan.
[4:32:46]
the foundation of that action
[4:32:49]
plan are those directed steps
[4:32:51]
that municipalities across the
[4:32:52]
province are required to engage
[4:32:54]
in.
[4:32:55]
the consultant is going to take
[4:32:56]
an inventory of the things we
[4:32:58]
are already doing and see what
[4:32:59]
boxes we are achieving and highlight for us to things that
[4:33:03]
we are falling short on or build
[4:33:05]
us a plan in both short and long-term of how the county can
[4:33:08]
move toward full compliance with
[4:33:12]
those directions and steps as
[4:33:14]
the director said, it's going
[4:33:16]
to be specific to the county of essex and the work that we do
[4:33:19]
here at the minister polity.
[4:33:20]
but also, the summer, we had representatives from amo come
[4:33:25]
because as an organization, they
[4:33:26]
have also undertaken this work
[4:33:28]
we wanted to make sure that our
[4:33:30]
rfp was informed by the work of
[4:33:32]
amo that we are not duplicating
[4:33:34]
things as well.
[4:33:35]
so certainly to your point, there are a number of foundational pieces we need to
[4:33:38]
consider.
[4:33:39]
the scope of the work for the
[4:33:42]
rfp for the consultant asked the
[4:33:43]
consultant to look at those foundational pieces in light of
[4:33:46]
what we are currently doing, where we have gaps and help us
[4:33:49]
build a plan to action ourselves
[4:33:51]
towards compliance on both the
[4:33:53]
short and long-term basis.
[4:33:54]
>> may be final, I appreciate
[4:33:58]
that I want to make sure, there
[4:34:00]
have been steps put out there
[4:34:01]
for us to follow and they want
[4:34:03]
to make sure that that is the
[4:34:05]
guidebook and the path that we
[4:34:06]
are following moving forward.
[4:34:07]
so thank you.
[4:34:07]
>> thank you.
[4:34:08]
councilor waldstedt.
[4:34:13]
>> a couple of things.
[4:34:15]
the first is on the same topic
[4:34:17]
if everything is laid out by the
[4:34:20]
province of the federal government with respect to this
[4:34:22]
issue and I see we are budgeting $226, 226,000 to tell
[4:34:32]
us to go over it and double check it to see if we are doing
[4:34:36]
everything we should.
[4:34:37]
is that not all laid out for us
[4:34:39]
already?
[4:34:39]
I don't know why we would spend
[4:34:42]
a quarter of $1 million to have
[4:34:43]
a consultant tell us.
[4:34:44]
we have people in charge of these programs that know what
[4:34:51]
we are doing and we are meeting the
[4:34:53]
requirements of the legislation
[4:34:54]
in the policy at the federal and
[4:34:56]
provincial level.
[4:34:57]
why would we spend a quarter of
[4:34:59]
a million dollars to have somebody look at it to tell us
[4:35:02]
what we already know and why would we go beyond what we are
[4:35:05]
asked to do in any event?
[4:35:07]
>> just to clarify within the
[4:35:21]
budget and I'm not sure what's
[4:35:23]
mine is being referred to right
[4:35:25]
now but 75,000 has been put in
[4:35:28]
for truth and reconciliation consultant and $30,000 has been
[4:35:30]
in sort -- inserted for our record management review that
[4:35:34]
I spoke about in my presentation
[4:35:35]
>> further?
[4:35:38]
>> my question remains the same
[4:35:42]
the amount hasn't change, soria
[4:35:44]
had the wrong line item.
[4:35:46]
70,000 instead of 226?
[4:35:47]
that's what I hear.
[4:35:50]
any comments on my concern with
[4:35:56]
respect to having an outside individual tell us?
[4:36:00]
I don't know for sure but if it's in black and white in front
[4:36:05]
of us, I don't know if we need
[4:36:07]
someone to tell us what that means.
[4:36:08]
>> I'm going to look to our finance friends to help confirm
[4:36:14]
my understanding.
[4:36:14]
the rfp we have just released
[4:36:18]
in 2025 was based on a project approved in the 2025 budget.
[4:36:22]
we have already approved the funds to seek a consultant.
[4:36:27]
admittedly, it is late in the
[4:36:30]
air.
[4:36:30]
we hope to get this project off
[4:36:32]
the ground earlier in 2025.
[4:36:33]
knowing that amo was working on
[4:36:36]
their process, we wanted to inform our rfp scope so we weren't duplicating effort.
[4:36:40]
my understanding is the budget
[4:36:44]
funds for the consultant's work
[4:36:45]
has already been approved in 2025.
[4:36:48]
we have an rfp out right now.
[4:36:50]
we hope to secure the consultant
[4:36:52]
before the end of the year and
[4:36:54]
the work will proceed in 2026.
[4:36:55]
perhaps most can clarify that.
[4:36:57]
>> yes, that is correct.
[4:36:59]
that was a 2025 initiative.
[4:37:00]
the rfp is coming out at the end
[4:37:06]
of the year but we do -- we did
[4:37:08]
have that approved in the 2025
[4:37:10]
budget.
[4:37:10]
>> thank you.
[4:37:12]
so it is still at 70,000?
[4:37:16]
or are we adding it?
[4:37:17]
was approved in 2025, why's
[4:37:20]
it back in the budget again this
[4:37:22]
year?
[4:37:22]
what am I missing?
[4:37:23]
>> I recall it being 50.
[4:37:31]
it's a little convoluted because
[4:37:33]
that line includes other consultant costs we can get the
[4:37:35]
exact figure but I believe we
[4:37:38]
did have 50,000 earmarked in 2025 for those costs and we will
[4:37:42]
confirm what the consultant costs are for 2026 and what does
[4:37:47]
exactly where.
[4:37:47]
I do remember there being potentially initiatives that came out of what the rfp advised
[4:37:55]
us to do.
[4:37:56]
we were trying to locate daughter -- locate dollars but
[4:37:59]
I will confirm that with what's
[4:38:01]
in the budget.
[4:38:01]
>> my other concern is I guess
[4:38:09]
on page 122 of the budget, I see
[4:38:14]
salaries for county council salaries.
[4:38:15]
it goes from 518 to 538.
[4:38:19]
what percentage is that?
[4:38:19]
a 2% increase or what is the actual percentage?
[4:38:23]
>> that would be 2.5%.
[4:38:27]
>> thank you.
[4:38:27]
I'm just concerned, madame warden with respect -- I know
[4:38:35]
we've been going through the budget and we've cut some things
[4:38:39]
out to try to keep it at a reasonable level.
[4:38:41]
but the canadian economy isn't
[4:38:44]
good at all.
[4:38:45]
we have 11% unemployment rate
[4:38:48]
in windsor-essex county, which I
[4:38:49]
understand is the highest in canada.
[4:38:51]
I just don't think it is proper
[4:38:53]
for us -- we talk about social social service requirement and
[4:38:59]
housing and everything else and
[4:39:00]
I know it's probably in line with what would be -- what we've
[4:39:05]
been giving through union agreements but we need to be responsible and I know it's not
[4:39:11]
a lot of money.
[4:39:12]
it's about $20,000 but I think
[4:39:13]
it's important that we show some
[4:39:17]
leadership with respect to that
[4:39:18]
I am not in favour of increasing
[4:39:19]
wages by 2.5% for this year.
[4:39:23]
I know that arguments can be made that if we do this, we do
[4:39:29]
this constantly and we are falling behind but every few years council seems to have a
[4:39:35]
study done in any event that takes a look at it and inevitably it increases in some
[4:39:42]
way shape or fashion.
[4:39:43]
but that is for future councils
[4:39:45]
to decide.
[4:39:46]
why am not in favour of that.
[4:39:49]
I won't support this part of the
[4:39:51]
budget unless there is some way
[4:39:53]
of pulling that item out and dealing with it separate or dealing with the motion to approve it but not increasing
[4:40:05]
the salaries and indemnities for
[4:40:06]
council.
[4:40:06]
>> thank you.
[4:40:08]
councilor deyong.
[4:40:12]
>> I have a question on the council services budget.
[4:40:15]
meeting expenses have been pretty steady and then it triples this year.
[4:40:21]
I'm wondering what they expected
[4:40:22]
-- what that line is?
[4:40:25]
line 2110.
[4:40:27]
>> I will start as david continues to look.
[4:40:32]
in 2026, it will be an election
[4:40:36]
year.
[4:40:36]
so what we were finding when we
[4:40:38]
were going through the budget
[4:40:39]
is that we weren't allocating enough to reserves for those meetings every year.
[4:40:44]
I know there's the wardens luncheon and stuff like that that happens once every four years.
[4:40:49]
you will definitely see a spike
[4:40:51]
in there because of those reasons as well as some other
[4:40:54]
items related to it being an election year.
[4:40:56]
>> just to clarify, there is no
[4:41:03]
actual election activity expense
[4:41:04]
that the county incurs, or is
[4:41:07]
there?
[4:41:07]
you are talking about the outcome of the election and the
[4:41:10]
new council and whatever is involved with onboarding the new
[4:41:12]
council but is there an election
[4:41:14]
expense as well?
[4:41:15]
>> yes, and no.
[4:41:21]
they know being we are not involved in the elections but
[4:41:26]
there always is an annual -- every four years there is a dinner, organizing the former
[4:41:32]
-- we do that.
[4:41:35]
going forward, we want to level
[4:41:39]
this off so there's a little money put aside each year so you
[4:41:43]
don't see huge spikes in election years.
[4:41:44]
>> councilor bondy.
[4:41:52]
>> thank you.
[4:41:55]
a couple of comments already out
[4:41:57]
there the wardens outgoing dinner that has never been considered to be a ticketed event.
[4:42:05]
from what I remember, it is not
[4:42:07]
ticketed.
[4:42:07]
the people that get invited don't have to pay anything.
[4:42:10]
rather than doing maintenance
[4:42:14]
on the wages, I would rather look
[4:42:15]
at that -- like I would buy my
[4:42:18]
ticket.
[4:42:18]
has that ever been looked at?
[4:42:20]
>> it is a ticketed events.
[4:42:23]
I don't recall the amount of the
[4:42:25]
tickets but it is ticketed.
[4:42:26]
$125 per ticket.
[4:42:28]
>> thank you.
[4:42:34]
I don't think I've ever paid for
[4:42:36]
it.
[4:42:36]
my local must pay for it.
[4:42:37]
I don't think we have.
[4:42:40]
I don't know.
[4:42:40]
I look -- I could be wrong.
[4:42:43]
I look forward to paying for it
[4:42:45]
this year.
[4:42:45]
I will support if someone makes
[4:42:47]
a motion or I can make a motion
[4:42:49]
, I will support the budget as presented.
[4:42:51]
I don't believe that we should
[4:42:54]
pull out the maintenance on county councillors salaries because that is what got us so
[4:43:00]
far behind, was not doing maintenance on the salaries.
[4:43:03]
so I don't want to go backwards
[4:43:04]
on that.
[4:43:05]
I think it is responsible for
[4:43:09]
us to keep the maintenance in there
[4:43:11]
there, just like everything.
[4:43:12]
the reason why we were targeted
[4:43:13]
this term, some of us, was because there was no responsible
[4:43:17]
maintenance in the future.
[4:43:18]
whether we make a motion that
[4:43:21]
we receive this or pull it out, I'm
[4:43:23]
willing to make the motion that
[4:43:25]
we do it all.
[4:43:26]
>> I just want to get a line of
[4:43:32]
established year.
[4:43:33]
the first to speak are going to
[4:43:35]
have preference.
[4:43:35]
then I will come back to councilor prue and then councilor deyong.
[4:43:39]
councilor akpata.
[4:43:40]
>> thank you.
[4:43:40]
to the director of I.t., a quick
[4:43:43]
question on the end of support
[4:43:48]
for the windows 10 solution.
[4:43:49]
have we transition completely?
[4:43:50]
we don't have machines tucked
[4:43:52]
in corners running it?
[4:43:53]
just want to make sure we're in
[4:43:55]
the proper cyberspace that we
[4:43:56]
need to be.
[4:43:57]
>> we do have some machines left
[4:43:58]
in the environment with windows
[4:44:00]
windows 10.
[4:44:01]
they support systems that are
[4:44:05]
third party proprietary and cannot be updated at this time
[4:44:07]
we are taking extra diligence
[4:44:11]
to make sure that every patch that
[4:44:12]
we can apply to those is applied
[4:44:15]
and we are working with our mdr
[4:44:17]
service provider to ensure those
[4:44:19]
systems are specifically monitored as well because they
[4:44:22]
are still machines.
[4:44:23]
>> a supplemental, I want to make sure that I understand the
[4:44:31]
machines running windows 10 aren't running any critical --
[4:44:33]
without breaching security, I
[4:44:35]
would assume were not running
[4:44:37]
critical for structure or anything like that.
[4:44:38]
you've got them walled off so
[4:44:41]
should something happen, you are
[4:44:42]
able to mitigate what may happen
[4:44:45]
with running old software.
[4:44:46]
>> that is a good assumption.
[4:44:48]
>> thank you, madame warden.
[4:44:49]
>> thank you.
[4:44:50]
no other questions?
[4:44:51]
I will come back to councilor
[4:44:57]
prue.
[4:44:57]
>> thank you, madame warden.
[4:44:59]
my other question relates to the
[4:45:01]
credit rating.
[4:45:01]
I remember if it wasn't laughter
[4:45:04]
laughter, may be the year before
[4:45:06]
before, there was quite a spirited debate about a credit
[4:45:09]
rating.
[4:45:10]
I remember speaking against it
[4:45:13]
and everyone voted to continue
[4:45:14]
with the credit rating.
[4:45:15]
all of a sudden, we have a motion that we don't need it anymore.
[4:45:19]
can you tell me what the change
[4:45:21]
has been during that period?
[4:45:22]
I agree we don't need it.
[4:45:23]
we didn't need it then either.
[4:45:25]
but why now are you saying we
[4:45:27]
don't need it?
[4:45:27]
>> the conversation was had in
[4:45:32]
2025 when I did a thorough analysis of what it means to actually get this done and what
[4:45:37]
the consensus was at that time
[4:45:38]
was it would be deliberated at
[4:45:40]
budget time.
[4:45:40]
we didn't include it in the budget right now.
[4:45:43]
however, if you choose to put
[4:45:45]
it back in the budget, it's $28,000
[4:45:48]
that there is the opportunity
[4:45:50]
to do that.
[4:45:51]
there wasn't consensus, it was
[4:45:53]
more or less deliberated at budget time because we had already approved $2025, and the
[4:45:58]
exercise happened in october of
[4:45:59]
every year.
[4:45:59]
I think it was, we are ready approved the budget or the credit rating in 2025 and then
[4:46:05]
we will deliberated for 2026.
[4:46:07]
>> why did you take it out of
[4:46:10]
the budget?
[4:46:10]
>> based on council direction
[4:46:13]
to that at or below inflation, we
[4:46:17]
chose -- administration chose
[4:46:19]
to take it out.
[4:46:19]
but obviously there is an opportunity to still put it back
[4:46:22]
in.
[4:46:22]
>> but you took it out because
[4:46:24]
you didn't think it was necessary.
[4:46:25]
it's not something that is really required?
[4:46:28]
>> it is up for council debate
[4:46:32]
I guess when we are looking at
[4:46:36]
the priorities, it wasn't the
[4:46:37]
highest priority so we did leave
[4:46:39]
it out.
[4:46:39]
>> okay.
[4:46:41]
thank you for that.
[4:46:44]
just as a comment to the other
[4:46:46]
thing I was 1 of 3 who did not
[4:46:49]
vote for the increase in salaries and I do not feel that
[4:46:52]
I can vote for a 2.5% increase
[4:46:57]
on a salary increase I did not
[4:46:59]
approve in the first place.
[4:47:00]
so I will be joining councilor
[4:47:02]
waldstedt if that comes up.
[4:47:03]
thank you.
[4:47:04]
>> thank you.
[4:47:07]
councilor deyong.
[4:47:07]
>> thank you.
[4:47:08]
there are so many different budgets and I had my questions
[4:47:12]
in a row.
[4:47:12]
I wanted to get clarification.
[4:47:14]
I think it was the financial services budget you talked about
[4:47:17]
about.
[4:47:17]
I think it's a million dollars
[4:47:19]
of the financial services budget
[4:47:21]
going toward ems.
[4:47:22]
I wanted to make sure I heard
[4:47:24]
that clearly.
[4:47:24]
there's a lot of talk around ems
[4:47:26]
today but it's under financial
[4:47:28]
services budget going to reserve
[4:47:29]
for the spoke building.
[4:47:31]
is that what I understand?
[4:47:32]
>> correct.
[4:47:33]
finance houses the land so we
[4:47:35]
would own the land and the building.
[4:47:37]
so we have that under the finance budget but it is for ems
[4:47:42]
capital.
[4:47:42]
>> thank you.
[4:47:42]
and back to mr. Sunday and, you
[4:47:43]
talked about appendix three and
[4:47:47]
I wanted to give you an opportunity I'm looking specifically
[4:47:50]
at 19 and 20 and I wonder if they go together.
[4:47:53]
19 is reserve funded so I don't
[4:47:56]
understand why we would do that
[4:47:58]
I'm guessing maybe it is only
[4:48:01]
possible if we do 20?
[4:48:02]
>> yes, number 19 and 20 are the
[4:48:06]
two are referred to in my presentation.
[4:48:08]
19 observe funded in order to
[4:48:09]
make improvements to a room in
[4:48:10]
the basement.
[4:48:11]
records management is managed
[4:48:15]
by the deputy clerk, who follows
[4:48:18]
-- who falls within my department
[4:48:20]
we have records that are kind
[4:48:22]
of everywhere across the county.
[4:48:23]
we're trying to get to the point
[4:48:25]
where records are eventually digitized to the extent possible
[4:48:28]
possible.
[4:48:28]
those that have to be stored in
[4:48:29]
long-term are in one locked and
[4:48:31]
secure location.
[4:48:32]
that's what we are working toward.
[4:48:33]
the ideal being the description
[4:48:35]
that's in -- within the appendix
[4:48:38]
three is to say we need to get
[4:48:40]
this room ready to receive those
[4:48:41]
records somewhat timely, if there's going to be renovations
[4:48:47]
in the basement or library, perhaps it's a good time to consolidate everything in one
[4:48:51]
room.
[4:48:51]
I was speaking with my staff at
[4:48:52]
the break, if you had to pick
[4:48:57]
one of these two, we would prefer 19 over 20.
[4:49:00]
ideally both, we not both at some point but if it's one or
[4:49:07]
the other, the records arm is
[4:49:09]
the preference.
[4:49:09]
>> I don't understand if it's
[4:49:14]
reserve funded, ryoal would require council?
[4:49:16]
you are talking about pulling
[4:49:19]
from reserves.
[4:49:20]
am I missing something?
[4:49:20]
why would you do that?
[4:49:21]
>> as I alluded to in the budget
[4:49:27]
overview reserves are important
[4:49:28]
for us to have.
[4:49:29]
some of these are smaller dollars but we have to think about long-term planning.
[4:49:33]
for example, if this comes from
[4:49:36]
capital we have the ems funding
[4:49:38]
model that is borrowing from our
[4:49:40]
capital not just ems capital
[4:49:42]
but for wing from capital so we
[4:49:44]
don't take on that.
[4:49:45]
it's just an exercise of making
[4:49:47]
sure we don't deplete reserves
[4:49:49]
as well and we have to be smart
[4:49:51]
about how much reserves we use
[4:49:52]
in the year so when we really
[4:49:54]
needed or for one-time things
[4:49:55]
-- if the province decides to kick
[4:49:57]
in money for something, we have
[4:49:58]
to have our share as well.
[4:50:00]
just thinking long term not depleting reserves for the future.
[4:50:03]
>> anyone else?
[4:50:06]
councilor mcnamara.
[4:50:08]
>> getting back to the standard
[4:50:21]
and poor -- getting the rating
[4:50:23]
, I know we don't borrow a lot of
[4:50:25]
money but if we were to borrow
[4:50:27]
money is it also utilized to
[4:50:30]
be able to get favoured interest
[4:50:32]
rates on loans?
[4:50:32]
>> in my exercise that I took
[4:50:39]
earlier this year to prepare the
[4:50:40]
council for what I have understood from infrastructure
[4:50:43]
ontario which is typically where municipalities borrow from
[4:50:46]
from, it does not factor into
[4:50:48]
the rate, which is why it was
[4:50:50]
up for debate, the cost-benefit analysis.
[4:50:51]
but it does really help with vendors.
[4:50:54]
know when every screens us or
[4:50:56]
anything like that, they understand we have a aaa rating
[4:50:58]
so it simpler from an administrative position.
[4:51:00]
>> so realistically, it wouldn't
[4:51:05]
affect us if we have to borrow
[4:51:07]
money through infrastructure ontario for major projects?
[4:51:10]
>> in february, when I checked
[4:51:14]
, it did not have an effect.
[4:51:15]
>> okay then that is my decision
[4:51:18]
decision.
[4:51:18]
I certainly wouldn't want to bring it back.
[4:51:21]
but also, as councilor prue and
[4:51:26]
certainly councilor waldstedt,
[4:51:28]
I do support what they are saying
[4:51:31]
as well as I think it's a matter
[4:51:33]
of principle moving forward and
[4:51:34]
again the 2.5% is on the salaries I would say -- I would
[4:51:39]
support what councilor waldstedt
[4:51:42]
has brought forward.
[4:51:43]
>> thank you.
[4:51:46]
councilor waldstedt.
[4:51:47]
>> thank you.
[4:51:47]
I'm just wondering how many silence people are in opposition
[4:51:53]
to the wage increase?
[4:51:54]
what procedure -- is there a motion on the floor now?
[4:51:58]
>> not yet.
[4:51:58]
>> because I know councilor bondy mentioned she had a motion
[4:52:05]
but I would make a motion that
[4:52:07]
we would deal with the wage salaries and indemnity's increase for council separately
[4:52:11]
if that is proper.
[4:52:12]
>> we will do it the weight we
[4:52:17]
need to do it.
[4:52:19]
thank you for that's.
[4:52:19]
we will look to you for -- as
[4:52:25]
a mover.
[4:52:25]
anyone else?
[4:52:25]
in regards to this report?
[4:52:27]
okay.
[4:52:27]
seeing none, I will look to madame clerk.
[4:52:34]
we will just wait for the clerk
[4:52:43]
clerk's department to list the
[4:52:47]
motion.
[4:52:47]
>> thank you tag team.
[4:52:55]
thank you, team.
[4:53:15]
>> the motion from councilor
[4:54:14]
waldstedt is in the revised screen.
[4:54:17]
>> I will read the motion from
[4:54:25]
councilor waldstedt, just to make sure you are good with the
[4:54:27]
boarding.
[4:54:28]
that is that essex county council reduce proposed line item 105-60-1101 of the general
[4:54:37]
general government council services budget to the 2025 level of $518,100.
[4:54:40]
that is moved by councilor waldstedt.
[4:54:49]
>> that takes care of my concern
[4:54:53]
and others that I've heard from
[4:54:55]
>> looking for a seconder to the
[4:54:58]
motion.
[4:54:58]
that is moved by councilor mcnamara.
[4:55:03]
question, councilor bondy?
[4:55:03]
3 yes, thank you.
[4:55:06]
it's an election year.
[4:55:08]
we all know it.
[4:55:09]
that's why we are talking about
[4:55:10]
this right now.
[4:55:11]
what does this mean going forward?
[4:55:14]
are we four years behind again
[4:55:16]
what happened was we reviewed
[4:55:21]
our wages and we were supposed
[4:55:23]
to stay in line with our non nonunion comparators.
[4:55:26]
if we don't support this, does
[4:55:28]
this mean we are not supporting
[4:55:30]
it for the four years?
[4:55:31]
because then we are going to get
[4:55:34]
back to where we have been.
[4:55:36]
so I just want to understand,
[4:55:39]
we know it's an election year.
[4:55:41]
everyone's got to do their election things.
[4:55:43]
but what does this mean going
[4:55:45]
forward?
[4:55:45]
I want to know what this means
[4:55:51]
for the new term of council.
[4:55:53]
are they behind or did they come
[4:55:54]
back in?
[4:55:55]
do they stay a cycle out?
[4:55:56]
>> I do remember the conversation at the time and I
[4:56:02]
believe we have it in a policy
[4:56:04]
on exactly how often we would
[4:56:08]
do the market salary review for council.
[4:56:09]
I believe it was every term of
[4:56:11]
council.
[4:56:12]
anyone please correct me if I'm
[4:56:13]
wrong.
[4:56:13]
so that would still occur because that was approved already that every term of council we would do that review
[4:56:20]
again.
[4:56:20]
potentially, yes, like any other
[4:56:23]
salary if we don't do it on an
[4:56:26]
annual basis, it may be a bigger
[4:56:28]
jump all at once but that is already factored in that we would have that review every term of council.
[4:56:33]
>> any other questions in regards to the motion?
[4:56:39]
I will ask you to vote electronically.
[4:56:42]
we are pausing.
[4:56:45]
councilor waldstedt?
[4:57:00]
>> in order to make sure we have
[4:57:08]
the correct dollar figure in there we're going to remove the
[4:57:11]
dollar figure and reworded to
[4:57:13]
say maintain 2025 pay level?
[4:57:14]
>> that was the intent.
[4:57:22]
test
[4:57:38]
>> again, I will read the revised.
[4:58:02]
the essex county council reduce
[4:58:03]
the proposed line item 105-60-1101 of the general government council services budget to maintain the 2025 level.
[4:58:12]
councilor waldstedt, just wanting a nod.
[4:58:18]
yes.
[4:58:18]
and seconder was councilor mcnamara.
[4:58:20]
and you are good.
[4:58:22]
we will ask you to vote electronically for that motion
[4:58:24]
and that carries.
[4:58:43]
secondary to that, there is a
[4:58:52]
recommendation that the presentation for the proposed
[4:58:54]
2026 general government budget
[4:58:54]
be received can further that the
[4:58:58]
2026 budget estimates for general government to be received or received and approved as amended.
[4:59:02]
looking for your wishes.
[4:59:04]
councilor verbeke.
[4:59:09]
>> I would like to move, receive
[4:59:11]
and approve.
[4:59:11]
>> as amended?
[4:59:12]
that is moved by councilor verbeke.
[4:59:17]
looking for seconder.
[4:59:18]
councilor gibb.
[4:59:18]
comments or questions?
[4:59:20]
we will ask you to vote electronically please.
[4:59:24]
that is carried.
[4:59:42]
next we have external commitments.
[4:59:49]
back to you again, melissa.
[4:59:51]
>> this final sections covers
[4:59:55]
the county's external commitments both legislative
[4:59:57]
and discretionary, and how these
[4:59:58]
investments support our residents and regional partners
[5:00:01]
our goal is to manage these obligations responsibly, he partnership strong and make sure
[5:00:05]
we're reading community needs
[5:00:07]
effectively.
[5:00:07]
many of the 2026 figures from
[5:00:10]
the city of windsor, who administer some of these programs.
[5:00:13]
while the city won't finalize
[5:00:15]
its budget until late january,
[5:00:16]
we've used the most current information to guide projections
[5:00:19]
projections.
[5:00:19]
legislative commitments covers
[5:00:22]
services we are required to fund
[5:00:24]
fund, public health, property
[5:00:25]
assessment social services and
[5:00:27]
social housing.
[5:00:28]
health unit costs are expected
[5:00:30]
to rise just over 1% for 2026
[5:00:33]
and impact property assessment
[5:00:34]
cost are anticipated to increase
[5:00:35]
by 3.7%.
[5:00:36]
social services and social housing operations are higher
[5:00:41]
due to contractual wage increases for city staff and changes to the child care administrative funding formula
[5:00:45]
windsor-essex community housing
[5:00:48]
corporation has also requested
[5:00:49]
additional operating funds so
[5:00:51]
this budgetthis includes budget includes
[5:00:52]
ourare anticipated anticipated share with further adjustments dependency approvals
[5:00:53]
share with further adjustments dependent on cit approvals.
[5:00:54]
approval.
[5:00:54]
so for the social housing capital renewal, this program
[5:01:02]
is administered by the windsor-essex community housing corporation it's an important
[5:01:04]
initiative that utilizes county funding to improve, modernize
[5:01:08]
and maintain social housing
[5:01:08]
Properties
[5:01:08]
and maintain social housing
[5:01:08]
Properties throughout essex windsor This problem addresses energy efficiency and upgrade safety
[5:01:15]
and excessive building features
[5:01:16]
ensuring that residents live in safe, healthy and sustainable environments so this program supports a ten-year social housing plan.
[5:01:20]
while the 2025 funding requests were lower, the significant projects are scheduled from 2026 to 2028 which rely heavily on
[5:01:30]
reserves.
[5:01:30]
to prepare, we are continuing
[5:01:34]
to contribute an additional 200,000 to the social housing capital reserve annually to build capacity in that program.
[5:01:40]
when we look at projective reserve balances, social housing
[5:01:45]
capital reserve is part of the
[5:01:45]
overall capital reserve balance and are expected reserve for this
[5:01:50]
one is 7.8 million at the end of 2025 with unanticipated
[5:01:54]
spend of 5.7 million in 2026.
[5:01:56]
and 7.7 million in 2027.
[5:01:59]
so doing the math, this reserve
[5:02:03]
will be deleted of all the projects move forward however, we do have a plan to replenish
[5:02:07]
in years where costs are not expected to be so high.
[5:02:08]
these are discretionary obligations which include
[5:02:08]
Investments
[5:02:13]
these are discretionary obligations which include
[5:02:13]
Investments or -- windsor-essex
[5:02:15]
so funding is remaining at the same level as previous years, same with tourism windsor-essex
[5:02:21]
there is no increase in funding
[5:02:24]
. The community safety and well-being plan, a slight increase and that's for the contractual wage increases for the city staff that oversee this
[5:02:31]
program There's also the tax appeals for lower tiers.
[5:02:35]
these funds to support tax appeals services for local means
[5:02:38]
apologies and they're critical to ensure fair taxation so there's an increase in this line
[5:02:44]
as last year
[5:02:45]
as last year's budget decreased it by 90,000 but we are trending
[5:02:47]
if it can be higher that -- found out this year so we want to bring a backup the necessary
[5:02:52]
levels.
[5:02:52]
and then this year's hospital contribution sees an increase
[5:02:58]
of 720,000 of levy dollars bringing
[5:03:01]
the total annual funding to 7.76 million.
[5:03:03]
we are in ongoing discussions
[5:03:06]
with the hospital regarding timing of payment, however, nothing has been confirmed to
[5:03:08]
date.
[5:03:08]
should council wish to reduce additional funding emotion would be required as it is built into the proposed budget.
[5:03:15]
and lastly we have the erie shores health care so there --
[5:03:21]
this is a long term commitment
[5:03:22]
with $200,000 allocated and this
[5:03:25]
is year three of a 10-year commitment.
[5:03:25]
without I'm happy to take any
[5:03:30]
questions >> thank you melissa.
[5:03:32]
let's start with you councillor mcnamara >> I would propose that on the
[5:03:39]
hospital allocation the extra
[5:03:40]
720,000 this year be deferred to help offset some of the costs on the augment that I've talked about with ens and others so I would propose that at the proper
[5:03:52]
time as a motion. >> so you're talking that it
[5:03:53]
Remain
[5:04:00]
time as a motion. >> so you're talking that it
[5:04:00]
Remain at the 2025 budget number of 7,040,000?
[5:04:06]
>> that's correct your guy maintain 7,000,040 in the base moving forward and then 720,000, the additional for 2026b deferred their and move in to allocate some of the costs for the enhancements in the various
[5:04:28]
positions.
[5:04:28]
>> okay thank you
[5:04:30]
positions.
[5:04:30]
>> okay thank you.
[5:04:30]
any other comments and questions
[5:04:34]
questions?
[5:04:34]
councillor akpata. >> I like seeing invest windsor-essex I'm glad they came. I was one of the people who voted to change their funding
[5:04:44]
allocation and I hope through you and the office of the commitments they made to us hold true because they did a great job in pivoting and changing us
[5:04:53]
those bringing us what we need. I want to make sure as we go for
[5:04:55]
word we don't have to go through that cycle again so.
[5:05:01]
[inaudible]
[5:05:01]
>> council will be able to hold their feet to the fire because
[5:05:07]
they promise they would be here
[5:05:08]
four times a year and we will certainly let them know if they were overdue because I do think that was a scare for them last year to think that they would have to operate at 15% less than what they had expected and so I
[5:05:21]
think I'm of the opinion that
[5:05:26]
councils had a very strong message and also with gordon moore at the helm, he understands how counsel operates and knows that people of our and I believe they will hold true
[5:05:38]
but myself and the cao will make sure that if there seems to be a
[5:05:42]
slip we will remind them.
[5:05:45]
councillor prue, was your hand up?
[5:05:51]
>> no I didn't know whether the motion was made I was just going
[5:05:55]
to second it. >> I wanted to have some conversations and I will come back to you councillor mcnamara
[5:06:01]
for that.
[5:06:01]
anyone else to comment on the external commitments?
[5:06:04]
in that case, then I'm coming
[5:06:10]
back to you councillor mcnamara, I believe we have the wording just about ready.
[5:06:21]
just bear with us for a few moments.
[5:06:25]
so the motion is that the essex
[5:07:25]
essex county budget be adjusted
[5:07:28]
to reflect the 2025 contribution to the new windsor-essex hospital system reserve to be the sum of 7,040,000. That's moved by councillor mcnamara and seconded by councillor prue.
[5:07:43]
comments or questions in regards to that motion?
[5:07:46]
councillor gibb. >> I'm looking at my screen and it says 6 million. That would explain it.
[5:08:00]
we cut that a few beats ago.
[5:08:07]
no comments or questions?
[5:08:17]
I'll ask you to vote electronically please.
[5:08:19]
and that's carried.
[5:08:37]
there's a recommendation also to the presentation for the 2026 propose external commitments budget be received and that the
[5:08:48]
2026 budget estimates for
[5:08:48]
External commitments
[5:08:49]
2026 budget estimates for
[5:08:49]
External commitments be received
[5:08:51]
or received and approved as amended.
[5:08:52]
Looking
[5:08:53]
or received and approved as amended.
[5:08:53]
Looking for a mover.
[5:08:53]
moved by councillor prue to receive and approve.
[5:08:59]
councillor prue, seconded deputy
[5:09:05]
warden any discussion?
[5:09:07]
councillor bailey. >> thank you read through you. Just a question related to the
[5:09:18]
capital renewals renewal that was roughly 2 million and went to 5.7, recognizing the increase that's three-point for, I think
[5:09:28]
it's related to the capital renewal and construction that
[5:09:34]
will be needed with windsor-essex community housing corporation but can you confirm
[5:09:35]
>> yes. That's correct it's their 10-year capital plan that
[5:09:40]
it's just certain years are higher than other >> you so much.
[5:09:42]
>> if there are no further questions I will ask you to vote electronically please.
[5:09:49]
and that's carried.
[5:10:24]
so that concludes the departmental budget presentations pure we are now at the point where we approve, amend what does it council wishes to dupe your guy will start with councillor. >> I expect this to be a bit lengthy and I will start with
[5:10:50]
wanting to add number 19 which is the renovation of the storage
[5:10:51]
room During the basement already with
[5:10:55]
a library.
[5:10:56]
I don't understand why we wouldn't just add this room, it's reserved funded, not a lot
[5:10:59]
of money so that's a motion if needed.
[5:11:04]
of money so that's a motion if needed.
[5:11:04]
I don't know how you want to do this one at a time. >> I
[5:11:06]
. >> I think it will be less confusing for us and finance.
[5:11:13]
I'm going to rely heavily on the clerk forwarding et cetera so if you don't mind bearing with us
[5:11:20]
will work together that we will get it into the phrasing that
[5:11:25]
you would like and anyone else who comes forward. >> so everyone is in the same comfort level if you have an item that you wish to move from that list that was previously
[5:11:43]
spoken about, appendix three, we're tracking things by the line number and it would be helpful for us to look at that number when you move the item.
[5:11:48]
base will be listed under 1210 if you're following on your agenda.
[5:12:20]
>> so the first motion, councillor de young is that the room g28 safety and efficiency
[5:12:28]
project added to the 2026 general government corporate management budget as outlined on line 19 of the appendix three of the treasurer's report.
[5:12:38]
I will be looking for nods.
[5:12:51]
they need a second or cocktails want to make sure that melissa gets what we need.
[5:12:57]
looking for a second or, in regards to that motion, deputy
[5:13:02]
warden melissa?
[5:13:06]
you're good?
[5:13:07]
are you clear on that?
[5:13:07]
okay.
[5:13:07]
any questions from council council members in regards to
[5:13:11]
that motion?
[5:13:11]
no clarification needed. Okay.
[5:13:16]
then will ask you. and that's carried.
[5:13:53]
next, councillor meloche. >> one question before I make a
[5:14:06]
motion, among our extra items, number 18 and 23, they're both speaking to the generator and I'm just wondering why their separated issues when they're both to deal with the generator in the grid iso agreement.
[5:14:22]
>> is that something you can speak to?
[5:14:29]
>> I can't pull up that appendix quickly.
[5:14:37]
and I would maybe like melissa
[5:14:42]
to just confirm, is there an item in the additional items for
[5:14:45]
a generator study and is there also one for humidity study?
[5:14:47]
those of the two that I had. >> to me it looks like the same sort of study I just want to figure out why there's two different line items for it If it couldn't be one study completed that may cost less
[5:15:08]
than dude -- during two separate
[5:15:08]
studies.
[5:15:08]
>> they are two separate studies but whenever we put together an rfp, if they're similar enough
[5:15:29]
in scope and we can find someone to do that same work, that's definitely a possibility so I
[5:15:36]
guess at this point, if council chooses to bring both of them in
[5:15:36]
in, obviously that would be our budget but if we come in under budget that's fine too.
[5:15:41]
>> thank you I would like to make a motion that we move forward with those two items from the appendix three, along with the other item 24 so those are the three other remaining
[5:16:00]
items and those are reserved funded items in the additional
[5:16:01]
those are the three I put forward.
[5:16:09]
that's 18, 23, and 24.
[5:16:12]
those are all reserved funded.
[5:16:18]
>> if you don't mind clerk's office would like to do them separately so we will vote on
[5:16:31]
each one separately.
[5:16:31]
>> no problem I just was not sure because 18 and 23 are similar I wasn't share if we should put them together or not because if we could rf he had them it would make sense that if we can do them soberly.
[5:16:41]
>> I think it will do better if we do it soberly.
[5:16:45]
that's their expert opinion so we will go with that.
[5:16:45]
did you have a question councillor prue?
[5:16:49]
>> I'm trying to understand this
[5:16:51]
this.
[5:16:51]
right now, they're funded but
[5:16:54]
they're funded from the reserve
[5:16:55]
and the motion is to fund them
[5:16:58]
from general tax revenue.
[5:17:00]
of the is to what?
[5:17:01]
okay so they're not on the budget you just wanted back in the reserve? Okay now I understand all right.
[5:17:10]
>> but they were on that wish list >> okay >> okay.
[5:17:18]
I need a second for the motion of the county a administration
[5:17:28]
building generator added to the
[5:17:31]
2026 interest doctrine planning services budget as outlined on line 18 and the appendix treasurer's report.
[5:17:35]
moved by councillor meloche excellent -- seconded by councillor deyong, question should go ahead. >> to do a study in support of -- I didn't quite pick up from
[5:17:51]
councillor prue this usually is a one-time fund, right?
[5:17:55]
so would it be taken from the re restabilization fund or reserves
[5:18:03]
reserves.
[5:18:03]
I hate to see a study go on a
[5:18:08]
base >> melissa?
[5:18:10]
>> entire list included some reserve items as well as some lovely funded items so that the three that are mentioned right
[5:18:19]
now and we will do them in separate motions, they're all levy funded and it will be one-time dollars and restabilization.
[5:18:24]
>> the reserve funded. >> yes. [booing]
[5:18:28]
you said levy but that's okay. >> sorry.
[5:18:28]
>>
[5:18:30]
you said levy but that's okay. >> sorry.
[5:18:30]
>> reserve funded. >> reserved because then I would be a post -- this makes sense
[5:18:38]
one time funding to do this study and then move forward after the fact.
[5:18:42]
okay.
[5:18:42]
anyone else?
[5:18:48]
really have conversation will
[5:18:55]
he have a conversation with mike
[5:18:55]
so without wheat I would prefer if we have conversation, we stick
[5:19:02]
to the mic.
[5:19:02]
please go ahead.
[5:19:02]
so the rest of us know what's
[5:19:05]
going on >> thank you and I was just confirming that indeed these three items are coming from the
[5:19:09]
reserve, you're on the wish list and then we will vote to put them back in but funded for reserve >> for council awareness, these
[5:19:22]
studies will generate items that potentially would be required
[5:19:27]
in the future which would require other dollars but for now, the
[5:19:30]
studies themselves would be reserved and funded yes.
[5:19:31]
>> perfect then thank you for
[5:19:35]
that.
[5:19:35]
I think it clarified for everyone.
[5:19:35]
>> with that, I will ask you to vote electronically please.
[5:19:40]
>> a question before, there's no no mention here about the reserves Should it be indicated in the
[5:20:06]
motion?
[5:20:06]
>> it's in the report.
[5:20:09]
if you look on page 37 in the
[5:20:11]
report, it lists where those projects are being funded from
[5:20:15]
. >> okay so just the confusing part is there in the report but it's not in the actual motion.
[5:20:23]
>> it says as outlined if you want to pull up that appendix three, if you've got the printed
[5:20:29]
version so it says as outlined
[5:20:33]
in the report.
[5:20:34]
and that's carried, thank you.
[5:20:39]
next, anybody else?
[5:20:45]
so this is now, we're waiting for that wording.
[5:21:10]
>> the motion is that how did administration building summer humidity investigation be added to the 2026 infrastructure and planning services budget as outlined on line 23 of the appendix three of the treasurer treasurer's report.
[5:21:56]
that was moved by councillor meloche and seconded by councillor deyong.
[5:22:02]
So we're
[5:22:02]
meloche and seconded by councillor deyong.
[5:22:02]
So we're now looking into that electronically.
[5:22:05]
and that's carried.
[5:22:41]
one last motion.
[5:23:01]
and this motion is that the county administration building west to south sidewalk be added to 2026 infrastructure and planning services budget as outlined on line 24 of the appendix three of the treasurer
[5:23:22]
treasurer's report, moved by councillor meloche and seconded
[5:23:27]
by councillor deyong.
[5:23:30]
looking for voting. and that's carried.
[5:24:01]
councillor gibb. >> thank you madame morden. I'd like to make a motion that we include item number one on the business case requests for the committee programs coordinator.
[5:24:20]
if I can get a secondary, I'd like to speak to it.
[5:24:24]
>> community programs coordinator for ens. I'll wait till we get -- oh it's already.
[5:24:40]
were 79 steps ahead of me.
[5:24:46]
their ego.
[5:24:48]
so the motion is that the community programs coordinator
[5:24:51]
be added to the 2026 essex windsor ens budget as outlined
[5:24:56]
on line one of the appendix three of the treasurer's report
[5:24:59]
and that's moved by councillor gibb and seconded by councillor meloche.
[5:25:02]
councillor gibb wanted to speak to that. I apologize.
[5:25:21]
>>
[5:25:21]
to that. I apologize.
[5:25:21]
>> I feel that we've done so much work on the public access to for belated program that to
[5:25:30]
see it full by the wayside would really be a shame. I like the idea of public cpr
[5:25:37]
training and building community
[5:25:37]
Resilience
[5:25:37]
training and building community
[5:25:37]
Resilience I think is important,
[5:25:40]
especially when our ems system is stretched to have civilians who can step in and take care of people who needed, isn't readily
[5:25:50]
important.
[5:25:52]
one of the other things that she's mentioned as it reduces and prevents 911 calls when people know how to use these machines and know how to keep --
[5:26:01]
take care of each other.
[5:26:01]
for something that's $121,000 but half of that cost will be
[5:26:08]
recuperated from the city and
[5:26:10]
in year two I believe, another half
[5:26:13]
of that cost is recuperated from the province so for essentially
[5:26:16]
$30,000, I think this is well
[5:26:18]
worth investing in.
[5:26:19]
>> thank you, councillor deyong, comment >> a question.
[5:26:25]
any existing ems program, there's someone who can do this training I'm guessing because I had done by ems at the community centre for my senior year volunteers.
[5:26:35]
I'm just hearing comments that's adjusted if we don't find this
[5:26:40]
new program that will be available anymore, we won't have someone who can come and teach
[5:26:42]
cpr or help people learn that we current have written out will is that >> numbers of counsel, that's correct we will not have a dedicate a lead as mentioned earlier it would be peace nailed
[5:26:54]
so we will do it we could but we will not have been. [inaudible]
[5:27:00]
>> so the person is dedicated
[5:27:01]
now as being reassigned to a different area or was never dedicated then he just filled in in?
[5:27:07]
I'm just trying to understand
[5:27:07]
because I thought we had somebody in there who's doing
[5:27:11]
that >> the individual doing it right now is not permanently in the
[5:27:27]
role.
[5:27:27]
It
[5:27:27]
role.
[5:27:27]
It will be tough for me to get any deeper than that.
[5:27:28]
>> councillor bondy. >> thank you madame morden.
[5:27:37]
this will be like that person will be in the budget and going forward and then the province picks up on it.
[5:27:43]
thank you.
[5:27:47]
I will be supporting it I've seen a lot of gains in education
[5:27:52]
education, I think it's vital. We were just -- we adjusted our ed yesterday I think at the cold
[5:27:58]
chester harbor and I see the value in this. After this I'm wondering if we can get where we are with our levy before we keep going. I think I'm curious to see where we are. Please and thank you.
[5:28:08]
>> we are just conferring on the wording because the appendix refers to the full cost as our finance folks have alluded to.
[5:28:52]
we just want to make it abundantly clear, the amount that we are adding back to the
[5:28:56]
budget and it's 50% of that amount.
[5:28:58]
you will bear with us a moment
[5:29:01]
to make that clarification and
[5:29:02]
motion.
[5:29:03]
>> a motion is that the community programs coordinator
[5:29:39]
be added to the 2026 essex ems budget as outlined on 11 of appendix three of the treasurer treasurer's report at 50% of the
[5:29:50]
indicated amount.
[5:29:50]
because of the sharing with partners.
[5:29:54]
understood? perfect.
[5:29:54]
I'm looking to melissa.
[5:30:01]
it's technical because of the
[5:30:12]
weighted assessment, right?
[5:30:12]
so I leave it up to the group,
[5:30:14]
I don't want to get that technical
[5:30:15]
but it's approximately so we'll change it >> we will change it to weighted assessment so good.
[5:30:25]
I don't think that's being picky picky.
[5:30:25]
I don't think that's being picky picky.
[5:30:25]
I think that's being exact.
[5:30:27]
councillor akpata. >> to our finance person if one of our partners the sides don't want to find anything, then what happens?
[5:30:40]
I'm just saying that my windsor star open I don't want to mention that place and we don't
[5:30:47]
want -- they don't seem to want to do anything just wondering what this position. >> because we provide the service the county provides the service we get this at that service level, similar to how the city gets a social services
[5:31:01]
-- so it's the same kind of scenario whether the service levels are set on us the cost of service level. >> thank you >> you have the windsor star open and the budget meeting? Just asking.
[5:31:16]
with that,. >> not intentionally >> the reworded motion of the
[5:31:23]
coordinator be added to the 2026 essex windsor ems budget is out of line -- as outlined on line one, the appendix three of the treasurer
[5:31:29]
treasurer's report.
[5:31:32]
to be divided in accordance with the weighted assessment rely.
[5:31:34]
looking to my move around secondary so you asked, you're the second or councillor meloche
[5:31:49]
with that will ask you to vote
[5:31:50]
electronically please.
[5:31:52]
and that's carried. Any other adjustments to the final -- deputy warden. >> I will try to get this motion motion.
[5:32:24]
>> I will try to get this motion motion.
[5:32:24]
I would like to add the additional hours under ems to be added to the 26th budget for essex windsor ems as outlined
[5:32:37]
in the appendix three of the treasurer's report to be divided
[5:32:41]
in accordance with weighted
[5:32:41]
Assessment
[5:32:42]
in accordance with weighted
[5:32:42]
Assessment formula.
[5:32:42]
>> that's the additional training hours, right?
[5:32:48]
>> yes.
[5:32:50]
>> and that's number five on the -- we will just wait until the wording gets -- so the motion
[5:33:08]
is that the additional training hours be added to the 2026 essex
[5:33:11]
the ms budget as outlined on line five, the appendix three of the treasurer's report to be divided in accordance with the
[5:33:17]
weighted assessment formula that's moved by deputy warden and seconded by councillor bondy
[5:33:22]
bondy.
[5:33:22]
>> just a point of information, can we get that levy before we keep going?
[5:33:31]
>> kindly vote on this and then we will have a conversation?
[5:33:41]
is that okay?
[5:33:42]
lesser getting almost ready time for break so let's do a couple of these things in sequential order.
[5:33:49]
so that's asked about.
[5:33:52]
much that cost is and I know that it's. >> it's 199,935. >> page 31. >> about some of the $100,000.
[5:34:15]
>> yes, close, ballpark.
[5:34:15]
>> thank you.
[5:34:15]
and that's carried.
[5:34:43]
so melissa, you have a question
[5:34:46]
from councillor bondy about where we are in regards to levy
[5:34:51]
amount?
[5:34:53]
do you need time to do that because we scheduled for a break break, and I believe it's just so that running totals can be kept in heads. On comfortable >> I'm comfortable doing I don't
[5:35:04]
busy women have the final motion
[5:35:05]
of regulation will make sure that all the number that correct
[5:35:07]
so right now, I had us reducing
[5:35:11]
16,800 her counsel remuneration
[5:35:14]
for that 2.5 percent increase have a reduction of 720,000 that we were putting towards the hospital reserve and then added
[5:35:25]
back to the levy specifically
[5:35:26]
is the pad position as well as the training hours, the eight hours of training hours so that brings us to 2.25% tax rate increase at this time.
[5:35:41]
>> any questions on those numbers at all no questions.
[5:35:52]
councillor walstedt. >> approve the budget, so moved
[5:35:59]
. Were out of here A don't know else to talk about
[5:36:00]
I don't need a break,. >> well, you know, what, they just need a minute.
[5:36:08]
can we take a break and then we
[5:36:12]
will come back to that amount through endless treatment -- come back to you and your statement.
[5:36:24]
We
[5:36:25]
come back to you and your statement.
[5:36:25]
We will do a 15 minute break,
[5:36:28]
can you be back here at 2:50, I need a motion councillor meloche
[5:36:35]
and councillor akpata I call in favour of a 15 minute break, opposed carried.
[5:36:51]
>> test.
[5:47:12]
we're at 2:50 and I'd like to resume the meeting.
[5:52:01]
councillor walstedt we have a
[5:52:13]
few folks who would like to include a few motions if you don't mind holding off. >> if they insist. [laughter]
[5:52:17]
>> thank you kind, sir,.
[5:52:22]
it's duly appreciated.
[5:52:22]
councillor bailey. >> I wanted to circle back to the group because we were talking about the 10161 kilometres we created in this region and I understand that we
[5:52:38]
do have the number I know I've been talking to my department throughout the day and having
[5:52:42]
some conversation so I know we
[5:52:42]
do have a number they purify also know that the dollars being asked for is just a bit of an earmark because it comes from the reserve and will not impact
[5:52:53]
the levy anyway but I did want
[5:52:54]
to be able to return back to the
[5:52:58]
c watts committee and groups as
[5:53:00]
we talk to them saying that we have reserved the dollars in the
[5:53:04]
reserve for that product and I
[5:53:07]
will ask it administration if
[5:53:07]
they can confirm the amount that
[5:53:09]
would be needed to be earmark
[5:53:11]
here at the county and I would like to make a motion to go ahead and proceed that we hold those dollars from the
[5:53:13]
Discussion
[5:53:17]
ahead and proceed that we hold those dollars from the
[5:53:17]
Discussion with c watts and that I could get a second or. >> thank you, three warden, is to expand a little bit on that
[5:53:27]
, we're referring to a c watts. Shoulder project in lakeshore along county road 42.
[5:53:34]
we have approximated the cost to
[5:53:35]
be somewhere between $625,700,000.
[5:53:43]
it's a cost shared segment between county and lakeshore. In this situation we will be adding a paved shoulder onto an
[5:53:51]
existing road and be part of our combined paving and paved shoulder project as a stand-alone paved shoulder.
[5:53:58]
so, if we went with a number of
[5:54:03]
625, the county's share would be approximately $375,000.
[5:54:08]
>> clerks will craft a motion
[5:54:24]
for you to look at before we move on if you're good with that, councillor bailey.
[5:54:28]
so counsellor if I can draw your attention to the motion that reads that essex county council
[5:54:52]
reserves 375,000 in the dedicated reserve for the c watts program.
[5:54:57]
are you good with that? Looking for a second or for that
[5:55:01]
motion.
[5:55:02]
it's moved by councillor bailey and seconded by councillor walstedt.
[5:55:06]
any comments or questions in regards to that motion?
[5:55:08]
councillor meloche. >> I have no problem reserving money in the reserve but I feel
[5:55:17]
like I'm lacking a lot of information regarding the c watts program and where that falls in the order of replacement or order of items to be done in 2026. Does not bump someone else that
[5:55:28]
we've already approved?
[5:55:29]
I know we don't have the report in front of us so I don't know that information off hand. >> thank you the recommendation
[5:55:42]
would be that we take this money from reserves so it wouldn't impact any of the other planned projects we have and this segment was not intended to be built for a few more years.
[5:55:53]
>> does it bump anyone I believe
[5:56:03]
was the question, into someone else's initiative -- does someone else's initiative get bumped?
[5:56:06]
>> three warden, that's what I
[5:56:11]
was saying, we wouldn't bump any projects if this money is taken from reserve.
[5:56:16]
we would continue with the planned project on this would be
[5:56:19]
an additional project but I'm sure melissa has a comment on
[5:56:23]
that >> so technically it would
[5:56:23]
Increase
[5:56:26]
that. >> so technically it would
[5:56:26]
Increase the program for 26 however that addition would be
[5:56:32]
roadway expansion funded so it
[5:56:35]
would not affect the levy but it does increase the entire program because the other projects are already in there and this would be an additional project added to that project list.
[5:56:43]
>> so it wouldn't be coming from
[5:56:51]
the c watts reserve is what you're saying then?
[5:56:55]
>> c watts doesn't utilize the roadway expansion reserve.
[5:57:01]
there is not its own specific
[5:57:03]
reserve yet so it's the roadway
[5:57:06]
expansion reserve that typically
[5:57:06]
funds then see what -- a portion
[5:57:07]
of the program.
[5:57:07]
so there's no c watts reserve.
[5:57:14]
it's roadway expansion.
[5:57:14]
>> so further, how much is enough reserve?
[5:57:18]
>> originally, it was about 56 million anticipated at the
[5:57:28]
end of 2026, if all the projects move forward as they are. As of right now.
[5:57:32]
so there would be about 56 million so any additional items that get approved would draw down on lot 56 million.
[5:57:41]
>> are you okay? councillor prue.
[5:57:49]
>> I want to make sure before I
[5:57:53]
tie up $375,000 in the county,
[5:57:56]
it's going to cost 300,000 approximately the lakeshore.
[5:58:02]
you have the money?
[5:58:04]
and you're willing to spend of this year that's what this is
[5:58:12]
about.
[5:58:12]
>> that question will go through me so I will look to you councillor bailey. >> I'm a quick learner. >> 3u yes indeed it will be considered in the budget tomorrow with the municipality
[5:58:27]
. >> in your budget you'll put 300,000 in?
[5:58:29]
>> yes so I'm asking the county to tap into their reserves for
[5:58:34]
300,000 and we have 56 million in there.
[5:58:38]
thank you.
[5:58:38]
>> my question is answered and
[5:58:42]
you secured my vote.
[5:58:43]
>> thank you.
[5:58:45]
another question, councillor deyong?
[5:58:49]
okay so there are no further questions then.
[5:58:54]
I'll ask you to vote electronically please.
[5:58:56]
and that's carried. >> I would like to bring through item 14 on our appendix three which is the traffic signal at at county road 20 and martin lane.
[5:59:31]
when study was completed well
[5:59:32]
over a year ago I guess at the
[5:59:32]
time it was based on traffic
[5:59:36]
counts We hadn't changed the way we evaluated our intersections and
[5:59:39]
so I took the time to reach out
[5:59:42]
to our police chief to get some numbers to help us understand
[5:59:46]
that intersection I'm laughing it's important that we install the signal.
[5:59:48]
in january 1st of october 31st of this year the town of la la salle had a worker can't traffic actions. Of those, 41% were on front road and 20% occurred right in that
[6:00:02]
zone that we're looking at install this light that the area
[6:00:06]
where the speed limit goes from 70 to 50 as we either enter it la salle or leave la salle and that intersection is 0.3% of the
[6:00:16]
total road for the entire town
[6:00:18]
yet represents over 6% of the traffic actions that take place in the town.
[6:00:20]
we've also had four accidents at
[6:00:23]
that intersection just this year
[6:00:25]
alone one just past the intersection was a fatality and
[6:00:31]
the intersections before and after have also seen several accidents throughout the 2025 year and so, that's a very busy
[6:00:36]
intersection for us.
[6:00:37]
it's a direct route through the
[6:00:40]
town and we find that people tend to speed right through that
[6:00:45]
area and it's very dangerous as we have a school known that road
[6:00:48]
and I watched the school buses constantly try to turn and get
[6:00:51]
in through the very high level
[6:00:53]
of traffic that travels from la la salle to amherstburg or vice vice versa and so I'm asking for support from council today to approve this intersection.
[6:01:00]
it's put as an estimated cost of
[6:01:04]
500,000.
[6:01:07]
and appendix three it asks to be levy funded.
[6:01:09]
I don't want it to be levy funded as we heard, our roadway expansion reserve is hefty and I
[6:01:13]
would like that we funded from
[6:01:17]
that reserve and get that intersection upgraded this year and that's my motion. >> we will come back to reading
[6:01:24]
the full motion butwill come back
[6:01:26]
I see that to reading the full melissa would like to speak to it.
[6:01:26]
melissa motion.
[6:01:27]
>> just point of clarification
[6:01:29]
. >> point of clarification.
[6:01:29]
,so 6 million although the it's a
[6:01:32]
56 million, although it is a larger dollar larger amount, because of the roadway expansion plan we have planned over the next 20 years it will be depleted as of
[6:01:41]
2028.
[6:01:43]
just don't want it to be -- we
[6:01:46]
are nearing that target, I just wanted to add that.
[6:01:53]
>> any other comments or questions?
[6:01:53]
we are already updated,. >> so it will be approved for funding for the expansion reserve in 2026 and that is moved by councillor meloche, looking for a second.
[6:02:17]
deputy?
[6:02:17]
I will ask you to vote electronically, please.
[6:02:26]
that is carried.
[6:02:44]
deputy warden, do you have something you wanted to bring
[6:02:50]
forward?
[6:02:50]
>> just a question through the chief, I know the rank order hear that business states, so far we have approved numbers one one, can you get the correct numbers that were approved?
[6:03:03]
there are two numbers.
[6:03:09]
>> they are listed on the screen
[6:03:22]
here, 918, line 19, line 23, 24, line one, line five and 14.
[6:03:36]
>> community programs coordinator, was that one of them and the command of operations was that one of them
[6:03:45]
them?
[6:03:45]
what about the second vehicle
[6:03:49]
service technician?
[6:03:49]
okay, I would like to see in terms of health care dollars I
[6:03:55]
know we the furred kept the budget for the hospital grant the same rate is 2025 and I know that there were six or seven cases that were presented by the chief if I can ask the chief of the ones that have been approved
[6:04:11]
if there's one market will elect to see one more at this year's
[6:04:18]
budget to compensate the health
[6:04:18]
Health care
[6:04:19]
budget to compensate the health
[6:04:19]
Health care dollars for health health care
[6:04:19]
health care's without ems has the support and resources they were asking for.
[6:04:25]
I'm not sure if it item two or three that the chief could speak
[6:04:30]
to if he had to pick one more,
[6:04:33]
I would like to put that word is a motion.
[6:04:36]
>> through you warden, and discussions with the team, commander of operations line three >> may be can you share why that
[6:04:54]
would be important and how it
[6:04:56]
would impact your delivery of service >> the operations department right now is staffed by the deputy chief and frontline supervisors The debate if chief is monday
[6:05:09]
to friday and the others are on the shift.
[6:05:11]
..they work monday, tuesday, these are nights, off wednesday
[6:05:18]
thursday or on the weekend. We don't have a running support
[6:05:21]
for the deputy chief to be able to follow through on things. Summit he starts working something up on monday, tuesday
[6:05:30]
then the off-line...
[6:05:30]
May be to have the we can off, falling back on the deputy chief, there's no support on constant monday to friday to allow him to function and to stay on top of operational issues.
[6:05:41]
it's a fast moving service 24/7
[6:05:43]
, things are happening every day, and night.
[6:05:45]
It
[6:05:45]
day and night.
[6:05:45]
It provide some capacity. >> thank you.
[6:05:49]
I'll put that word is a motion to include -- the volume of calls have increased significantly and I believe we need to provide support for this operation.
[6:06:01]
I'll delete make that as a motion >> that motion is that the command of operations be added to the 2026 essex-windsor budget
[6:06:24]
budget...
[6:06:24]
The treasurer's report to be divided with the weight of assistant formula that
[6:06:30]
is moved by counsellor deputy warden looking for a
[6:06:35]
second, councillor mcnamara.
[6:06:41]
I'm asking you to vote electronically please.
[6:06:49]
>> -- I was -- at this point I
[6:06:58]
believe that this is 12 staff members that will be asking the city to cofund at 50 percent,
[6:07:10]
correct?
[6:07:10]
overall, from the county, there were 11 positions and added back
[6:07:16]
in with the pad coordinator so that would be 12 and then I believe that said.
[6:07:27]
that's it for positions however from that there were few human
[6:07:32]
resources position oneness have between ems and halfs and part
[6:07:37]
of our homes.
[6:07:37]
the 25% of that portion would be
[6:07:39]
covered by the city
[6:07:40]
in the ms positions would be that way of assessment. >> thank you for that.
[6:07:46]
I know it's great work and I know overtime is going to be needed.
[6:07:51]
We are really
[6:07:53]
know overtime is going to be needed.
[6:07:53]
We are really looking out at to
[6:07:56]
eat an elephant because we saw the master plans and the cost needed for services like these.
[6:08:01]
are hard ones to deal with the
[6:08:03]
is numbers of council. Were trying to eat too many pieces Certainly bridging the gap makes
[6:08:08]
sense but during the gap to this
[6:08:10]
extent and one fiscal calendar year I think it's a whole lot did you I'm going to be opposing the motion on the table. >> thank you.
[6:08:20]
councillor prue?
[6:08:21]
>> as I said to a few people today I've never been to a budget like this before in my 30 some years where everybody is
[6:08:33]
adding into the budget. Usually cancels it around -- council sit around and put it
[6:08:41]
at an acceptable level.
[6:08:41]
right now it's acceptable at 2.25.
[6:08:45]
I understand what the ms wants, I understand and appreciate what they want.
[6:08:52]
my wife and I both used their service in the last two years, they are excellent but I want
[6:08:58]
to tell you, when you have a wish
[6:08:59]
list that is vetted by senior management and is not there for a reason, it's not there because they didn't feel they could do it and come in with a budget that was reasonable. Had never seen anyone just go,
[6:09:14]
right down the list and say they
[6:09:18]
want all these things can just give it to them. I have never seen it.
[6:09:20]
no conscience even though it might be valuable, it will still be there next year and if we have the money next year then we
[6:09:29]
should spend it then.
[6:09:31]
I don't often care what happens
[6:09:33]
because they don't treat us very almost often but I can understand what councillor bailey's house to say here.
[6:09:42]
you go and tell them... Is not going to bode well to continue negotiations if they ever do take place.
[6:09:53]
I don't think it's the wrong way to do it. I appreciate it's on the wish
[6:09:58]
list but not all wishes come true All not -- I will now be supporting this. >> I am not sure if adding that
[6:10:08]
position like to point to 5% right now, do we know what it would be if we added this position?
[6:10:17]
as I understand, I'm seeing both sides, I really am.
[6:10:21]
it's a bit of a hard one for me
[6:10:23]
because I supported ems, I see there is so much value added and
[6:10:34]
everyone over family members and ourselves are going to need them at some point.
[6:10:37]
I am inclined to support this
[6:10:40]
because I have always supported
[6:10:41]
ems and if it's not supported
[6:10:46]
I do hope that
[6:10:46]
our chief may bring it back to us, it's an extra need.
[6:10:53]
I do believe that administration came to us with a really low-budget because they read the room it's an election year, the
[6:11:01]
red the room and they wanted to
[6:11:02]
get as many of their things past as they could but I believe administration pulled a lot of items out of the budget to get that around 3%.
[6:11:13]
do I think there is some needs
[6:11:15]
in the list that -- or someone
[6:11:19]
's -- I don't know, I don't want to slip backwards and we are going
[6:11:28]
in the right direction.
[6:11:29]
did I talk long enough to get you that number? no?
[6:11:32]
>> through you warden, adding
[6:11:41]
that position would move us from
[6:11:41]
2.25% to 3.2%.
[6:11:48]
the tax policy doesn't get approved until february so that
[6:11:51]
can slightly change.
[6:11:55]
as it stands right now we would meet moving from 2.25% to 2.32%
[6:12:03]
. >> anyone else In that case will ask you to both electronically please, for the motion.
[6:12:10]
and that is lost. Councillor deyong?
[6:12:26]
>> may be last but not least I
[6:12:30]
would like to make a motion for
[6:12:33]
appendix three. >> it's the traffic signal signal county 23.
[6:12:51]
>> just to confirm roadway expansion.
[6:13:10]
so the motion is that the traffic signal be added to the
[6:13:43]
2026 infrastructure and planning services budget is outlined on line ten of the appendix three of the treasury's report and that is moved by counsellor the young looking for a seconder. Councillor meloche?
[6:13:56]
[simultaneous talking]
[6:14:00]
>> a la it over again, sorry.
[6:14:02]
revised, refreshed, is the motion that the traffic signal
[6:14:07]
be approved and funded from the
[6:14:12]
road to expansion reserving 2026 2026.
[6:14:17]
that is moved by councillor deyong and second by councillor
[6:14:24]
meloche >> may be you will have deja vu
[6:14:30]
from a few minutes ago, but I'll try to keep it specific. From the comments on the report
[6:14:36]
there has been 19 collisions including a fatality and multiple major injuries.
[6:14:40]
the intersection already has oversight stop signs and flashing red beacons that are
[6:14:45]
not preventing these incidences. At the stretch of road is pretty
[6:14:52]
much a clear way connecting kingsville to harrow, there's
[6:14:56]
not anything really slowing
[6:14:56]
People
[6:14:56]
not anything really slowing
[6:14:56]
People down the hall stretch and
[6:15:00]
in addition to the faculty at the actual intersection there has been two deaths just this year on either side of this intersection I think having a light that makes people aware that this is a place where other things happened besides just a
[6:15:15]
straight through will make that safer because people will have to slow down for the site and against
[6:15:25]
at something similarly funded but does it say one time expense. >> any comments or questions?
[6:15:33]
councillor bailey. >> I was feverishly trying to go through my other notes from my
[6:15:41]
briefcase because I do believe
[6:15:43]
that this was assessed and it was on the list that we received but I'm wondering where it was
[6:15:47]
at on that list. >> page 33, number 10. >> sorry, I was referring to the project list. And will turn to the director.
[6:16:12]
>> through you, I think I found
[6:16:28]
it here, number 42 on that vehicle list.
[6:16:30]
I think my only question would be when these were ranked as the top 100 intersections they were
[6:16:37]
ranked in a priority reading of this number. I see it sounded appendix b, I
[6:16:51]
see it was ranked significantly
[6:16:52]
lower than many of the others so I'm just wondering if you can speak to that. >> do you want to speak too?
[6:17:11]
>> I remember we have dollars
[6:17:13]
in -- for the design of it in 2025,
[6:17:17]
so maybe that's why it's on a
[6:17:19]
project last seen but we do have the design dollars, this would be the construction dollars from
[6:17:24]
my understanding when we had a conversation around this because I did see it on the report.
[6:17:27]
it was designed dollars not construction dollars.
[6:17:31]
>> do we still need an answer
[6:17:37]
or are you okay?
[6:17:38]
thanks for looking, allen.
[6:17:41]
no other questions then?
[6:17:45]
can we get a seconder?
[6:17:47]
I did not write it down, who was it?
[6:17:51]
we are looking to --
[6:18:03]
[indiscernible]
[6:18:03]
all right, then we are looking to vote on the motion.
[6:18:08]
that is carried, thank you.
[6:18:30]
so, are there any other additions If not, we are at the point in time where we could actually
[6:18:40]
vote for the final budget. There is recommendation that the essex county council... Approves the amount of -- do you have a final number?
[6:18:59]
okay.
[6:18:59]
it got smaller, hang on a second second.
[6:18:59]
A hundred
[6:19:09]
it got smaller, hang on a second second.
[6:19:09]
A hundred and 45 million, hundred and 44,000, 150.
[6:19:19]
>> what she said.
[6:19:21]
looking for a mover and seconder
[6:19:25]
seconder.
[6:19:25]
any discussion on the motion?
[6:19:30]
did you want me to read it again
[6:19:34]
again?
[6:19:34]
I'll read it again.
[6:19:38]
>> there it is, the motion is that the county council approves as amended the overall proposed
[6:20:07]
2026v requirement for the county
[6:20:07]
of essex in the amount of $145,144,950 most
[6:20:16]
$145,144,950 -- moved by councillor deyong. I'll ask you to vote electronically please.
[6:20:31]
that is carried unanimously.
[6:20:41]
well done.
[6:20:41]
there are no items of unfinished
[6:20:48]
business.
[6:20:48]
for consideration for december
[6:20:52]
december third 2025, any other
[6:20:53]
mark
[6:20:53]
Matters
[6:20:54]
mark
[6:20:54]
Matters of new business to bring
[6:20:55]
forward?
[6:20:56]
>> it's just wondering where we
[6:21:01]
stand with meeting with the hospital because we talked about it here at budget, we talked about it and I'm wondering if there's any follow-up from and mr. And from having that's joint meeting, please and thanks. >> I know we attempted twice this fall to
[6:21:16]
have a joint meeting with the city to have a
[6:21:19]
presentation about the hospital
[6:21:22]
. Information hasn't been finalized from that group and speaking with administration both of the city and with windsor regional hospital we
[6:21:33]
want to make sure this joint meeting is as meaningful and productive as possible for both of our councils.
[6:21:38]
we had this conversation... It's expected that windsor regional in operation with the
[6:21:48]
province had more concrete
[6:21:48]
Information
[6:21:49]
province had more concrete
[6:21:49]
Information to share with us publicly in the new year.
[6:21:51]
at something we are definitely still in connection with both
[6:21:58]
windsor regional in the city of windsor on this topic.
[6:22:00]
and wanting to make sure that the foregoing to bring in every
[6:22:01]
bite in the room together, it's a worthwhile conversation Stay tuned and the hope is that
[6:22:09]
in q1 of 2026 we will be able
[6:22:10]
to record eight that joint meeting
[6:22:13]
. >> anyone else or new business
[6:22:18]
seeing him, there's one bylaw
[6:22:20]
for the kenny consideration this afternoon that will be read by the county clerk. >> bylaw number 2025, being a
[6:22:29]
pilot you can from proceedings of the council of the corporation For december december third 2025. >> motion is a recommendation that counsel -- bylaw two '02
[6:22:45]
553 be given through readings
[6:22:45]
And
[6:22:45]
553 be given through readings
[6:22:45]
And have being read a second and
[6:22:50]
third time, finally passed and
[6:22:50]
enacted looking for a mover and
[6:22:53]
seconder.
[6:22:53]
counselor mcnamara, second by -- you'll have to vote electronically.
[6:23:03]
that is carried.
[6:23:20]
any notices of motion to be introduced for december third
[6:23:24]
2025?
[6:23:24]
seeing non, all matters of businesses have been addressed
[6:23:28]
. The motion is that essex county
[6:23:33]
council meeting for december december third 2025 to be adjourned at 3:22 p.m.
[6:23:36]
moved bank councillor gibb, counsellor verbeke, that is carried, thank you.