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Corporation of the County of Essex ~d~ 0~.~ (~**~,~a~ MEMO Chief Administrative Officer TO: Warden O'Neil and Members of County Council FROM: John Curran, Chief Administrative Officer SUBJECT: 1998 Budget and Upper Tier Service Delivery It becomes almost futile to attempt any meaningful comment in light of the circumstances under which the 1998 Budget Estimates are proposed. The only numbers which we can present with any degree of confidence are those pertaining to programs dehvered by the County of Essex in 1997. The 1998 estimates indicate increases in both Social Services and Roads. It is important to keep these increases in perspective. Social Services has had a significant change in subsidy levels which result in increased cost on the property tax ... an uncontrollable increase. As for Roads, the increase is directly a reflection of the additional volume of highways devolved to Essex County in 1997 and in 1998. I am extremely proud of the manner in which all departments responded to the pressure put on program dehvery this year. You will hear more from the County Treasurer, Brian Gregg in his presentation of this years estimates at the budget session of County Council on February 18, 1998. His presentation will be at a relatively high level allowing for the fact that our new committee structure has sought each council member's input into at least 50% of the budget preparation at an early stage. Of course the process of final approval will allow for a review of all the estimates as council may decide. Finally, let me state that the County level of government continues to provide efficient and effective service to the local municipalities and to the residents of Essex County. It is my intention to bring a report to Executive Committee, soon after the budget is finally approved, which will outline to all members the steps that have been taken by county staff and council, to ensure that our approach to service delivery is efficient, effective and equitable. My thanks and appreciation go out to all those who spent many hours in the preparation of this document. I am aware of the effort involved. Chief Administrative Officer, February 11, 1008 360 Fairview Avenue West, Essex Ontario N8M 1Y6 - Phone: (519) 776-6441 Fax: (519) 776-4455