Lambton County Council unanimously approved the 2019 budget in short order Wednesday morning.
No cuts were made to the 216.5 million budget that comes with a 2.59 per cent hike in the amount to be raised through taxation.
When the new assessment growth of $748,000 is factored in, the net tax increase is 1.75 per cent.
Warden Bill Weber thanked staff for their hard work putting the financial plan together.
"I'm very pleased with the process, pleased with the budget that was brought in by staff, obviously by passing unanimously it was what council was looking for," said Weber.
A grant request from the Lambton Children's Safety Village for $250,000 over five years to construct a safety village at the Bridgen Fairgrounds was approved with conditions.
"It's conditional on the school boards supporting it and a building permit being awarded. So, the funding is there. It's been a long process and we just want to make sure that if we give dollars, it's actually going to happen and we're not funding something that isn't shovel ready," said Weber.
Council turned down Tourism Sarnia-Lambton's request for an additional $35,000 to cover increased rent and utility costs. Weber said the board will have to find room in its own budget for that.
Capital spending of $20.4 million for 50 projects was approved. This year's projects include replacing Bear Creek Bridge, resurfacing various county roads, and reconstructing parts of Bentpath Line, Courtright Line and Northville Road.
Council also directed $6.4 million into reserves to help finance big ticket items that may arise in the future or to help pay for unexpected emergencies.