The budget represents the vision of Essex County. It is a balanced and sustainable financial plan to deliver high quality services efficiently while planning for the needs of the future.
2019 Budget
County Council met in mid-January to pass the 2019 Budget, a progressive and responsible financial plan. It supports the new Windsor-Essex Hospital System, promotes continued improvements to roads and an ever-expanding trail network. It also provides a much-needed boost to the region's affordable housing stock.
The Budget Process
The budget process begins in August as each department reviews priorities and their annual operating and capital requirements. The draft budgets of each department are put into a draft document that is subject to public review and scrutiny before going to County Council for discussion, review and adoption.
Essex County's Credit Rating AA+
Standard & Poor's has affirmed Essex County's credit rating as AA+ with a stable outlook. This is the highest credit rating afforded to a county-level government in the province.
Ongoing Financial Monitoring
A year is a long time between budgets so the Treasurer produces variance reports mid-year so council can make informed decisions on whether adjustments need to be made.
Finance Department
The County's Finance Department provides advice and support to Council and other departments in six key areas:
|
Accounting |
|
Accounting Services consistently reviews our practices and procedures to ensure they comply with professional and ethical standards. They make payments and collect funds for the County. They also handle payroll for close to 900 employees. |
|
Asset Management Planning |
|
Investing in our infrastructure and planning for the refurbishment and replacement of municipal assets is vital. The County's Asset Management Plan lays out a framework to maintain assets and infrastructure like roads, bridges and culverts. |
|
Budgeting and Financial Monitoring |
|
The 2019 Budget represents the vision of Essex County for the upcoming year and the long term. |
|
Financial Reporting |
|
The County supports open and transparent government by making important financial documents available for public review: Audited Financial Statements – Statements prepared by the County's Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer and reviewed by an independent, external auditor. Financial Information Returns – A set of year-end reports prepared by County staff with financial and statistical information required by the Province. Municipal Performance Measurement Program – Statistical and financial data used to measure the efficiency of programs and services. Public Sector Salary Disclosure – A list of all County Employees making more than $100,000. |
|
Risk Management |
|
The Director of Corporate Services protects the County from exposure to unexpected or accidental losses by managing our level of corporate risk. Operational risks are reviewed each year for ways to control, transfer or finance risk within the corporate insurance policy. |
|
Treasury |
|
The Treasurer works with all departments and outside organizations to plan for cash flow needs and choose investments that maximize return. Standard and Poor's has affirmed our credit rating at AA+ with a stable outlook. |
Contact Us