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PRESENTATION FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE - COUNTY SERVICES AND PROPOSED 2011 BUDGET
Leland Sibbick, Deputy Treasurer for the County of Simcoe provided an overview of the County of Simcoe’s 2011 Budget commenting that the total County expenditures amount to $408.1 Million. Mr. Sibbick reviewed the various services that the County of Simcoe provides to the City of Barrie and the cost for those services.
Terry Talon, General Manager of Social Services reviewed the Social Assistance Programs including Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). She noted that in 2011, the new Ontario Works program funding equates to $1.4 M savings for Barrie and in 2011 ODSP costs have been uploaded to the Province. Ms. Talon provided information concerning Social Housing programs including the Affordable Housing Program and Social Housing Renovation and Repair Program. She commented that 50% of the total social housing units in Simcoe County are in the City of Barrie and noted that there was an increase in Barrie’s portion of the weighted taxable assessment from 2009 to 2010. Ms. Talon reviewed the Children’s and Community Services programs and provided City of Barrie Childcare statistics noting a number of changes that will be occurring in 2011.
Ms. Jane Sinclair, General Manager of Health and Cultural Services provided information concerning the proposed health services portion of the 2011 budget for programs and services delivered by the County of Simcoe. Ms. Sinclair commented that the County currently operates four long term care facilities throughout the County of Simcoe. She noted that in 2010, 12 City of Barrie residents occupied beds in County operated long term care facilities. Ms. Sinclair explained that the County of Simcoe operates 14 Paramedic Stations and 3 satellite stations. She described the Advanced Care Paramedic Program and noted that it is in its second year. She commented that expenditures for paramedic services in 2011 are expected to be approximately $35.2 million for the entire service area. Ms. Sinclair observed that over 74,000 calls are received annually for paramedic services. She noted that paramedic services include a variety of community programs.
It was noted that in total, the City of Barrie’s portion of the costs associated with social, health and cultural services offered by the County of Simcoe for 2011 is $21.7 million a $3.1 million reduction from 2010.
Members of City Council asked a number of questions related to the presentation.