The draft 2016 budget, including a two per cent tax increase, will be on the table at a special Simcoe County meeting Thursday morning.
Labour costs are responsible for much of the proposed increase, thanks to $6 million increase in salaries, wages, and benefits. There are also plans to hire 22 new people next year, at a cost of over $2 million.
The county's operating budget tops $389 million and the following is a breakdown of the biggest expenditures:
Ontario Works: $84 million
Long Term Care: $51 million
Solid waste management: $46 million
Paramedic Services: $43 million
Children and Community Services: $40 million
Social Housing: $39 million
Transportation and Engineering: $22 million
Watch for an update on BarrieToday following Thursday's meeting.
