Lambton County's proposed 2025 budget amounts to nearly $312.3 million and calls for a 4.8 per cent hike in the amount to be raised through taxation.
County Treasurer Larry Palarchio said the budget continues to see investments in affordable housing, asset management, technology and transportation projects including the replacement of Pulse Creek Bridge.
"We set aside $1.8 million in 2025, and an additional $1.8 million is planned for 2026 for its eventual construction," said Palarchio. "There's a roundabout planned at County Road 22 (London Line) and County Road 8 (Forest Road) about $2.6 million, there's also the reconstruction of County Road 19 (Michigan Avenue) in partnership with the City of Sarnia."
He said $3.6 million has been earmarked for affordable housing, up from $3 million in 2024.
"We know that county council's number one priority has been affordable housing," said Palarchio.
He said since 2022, a total of $9.8 million has been invested in the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund.
"We utilize that reserve fund to pay for some key initiatives and to plan out, for example Maxwell Park Place, there's 24 units that have been approved there," said Palarchio.
The 2025 the document represents an increase of $24 per $100,000 of residential assessment, not including municipal and education taxes.
An item not included in the draft budget, but to be considered by council next month, include plans for a nearly $10.8 million Lambton EMS headquarters in Sarnia.
Palarchio said when planning for the long-term, there is still too much uncertainty on what impact US imposed tariffs will have.
"There's a general consensus if US tariffs take effect, there will be a significant impact on the Ontario economy," he said. "Potentially construction costs on steel, lumber, food, prices and so forth."
Budget deliberations are scheduled for Wednesday, March 5.