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02 - October 24, 2024 Budget Committee Agenda Packaged/o zuiuull�lr, o,�fir D+ NA101 Budget Committee ORDERS OF THE DAY Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 11:00 a.m. Council Chambers 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON NOTE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Please note that the Budget Committee Meeting will begin immediately following the County Council Meeting, at approximately 11:00 a.m. Please click the link below to watch the Council Meeting: https://www.facebook.com/ElginCountyAdmin/ Accessible formats available upon request. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 4. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF 5. DELEGATIONS 6. REPORTS/BRIEFINGS 6.1 Director of Financial Services/Treasurer - 2024 Budget Survey Results 7. OTHER BUSINESS 8. CORRESPONDENCE 9. CLOSED MEETING ITEMS 10. MOTION TO RISE AND REPORT 11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING 12. ADJOURNMENT Pages 2 0 Diu i�oiY@11%;,, BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES September 12, 2023, 11:00 a.m. Council Chambers 450 Sunset Drive St. Thomas ON Members Present: Warden Ed Ketchabaw, Chair Deputy Warden Grant Jones Councillor Andrew Sloan Councillor Mike Hentz Staff Present: Don Shropshire, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk Jennifer Ford, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer Jenna Fentie, Manager of Administrative Services/Deputy Clerk Stefanie Heide, Legislative Services Coordinator 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 11.00 a.m. with Warden Ketchabaw in the Chair. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT the agenda for the September 12, 2023 meeting be approved as presented. Motion Carried. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Moved by: Councillor Sloan Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones RESOLVED THAT the minutes from the meeting held on November 1, 2022 be adopted. 1 Page 2 of 102 Motion Carried. 4. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF None. 5. DELEGATIONS None. 6. REPORTS/BRIEFINGS 6.1 Director of Financial Services/Treasurer - Terms of Reference Review The Director of Financial Services/Treasurer presented the report detailing the Budget Committee Terms of Reference. Moved by: Councillor Hentz Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Terms of Reference Review" dated September 5, 2023 from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer be received and filed. Motion Carried. 6.2 Director of Financial Services/Treasurer - 2024 Draft Budget Survey The Director of Financial Services/Treasurer presented the report seeking Council's approval for the draft 2024 budget survey. Moved by: Councillor Hentz Seconded by: Deputy Warden Jones RESOLVED THAT the report titled "2024 Draft Budget Survey" dated September 5, 2023 from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer be received and filed; and THAT the 2024 Budget Survey and the advertising campaign, including any applicable changes, be released for public consultation for the period September 13, 2023 to October 13, 2023. Motion Carried. 6.3 Director of Financial Services/Treasurer - Proposed Budget Schedule The Director of Financial Services/Treasurer presented the report seeking the Committee's approval for the proposed Budget Committee meeting schedule. 2 Page 3 of 102 Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones Seconded by: Councillor Sloan THAT the report titled "Proposed Budget Schedule" dated September 5, 2023 from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer be received and filed; and THAT the Budget Committee meet on October 24t", 2023 for a half day to receive the results of the budget survey in advance of budget deliberations; and THAT the Budget Committee meet on November 14t", 2023 for a half day to receive and discuss a preliminary overview of the Engineering Capital Plan; and THAT the Budget Committee meet on November 15t", 2023 for a full day meeting to receive initial department budgets with additional meetings to be set if needed. Motion Carried. 6.4 Director of Financial Services/Treasurer - Department Budget Presentation Format The Director of Financial Services/Treasurer presented the report seeking the Committee's feedback on a standardized departmental budget presentation template. Moved by: Councillor Sloan Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT the report titled "Department Budget Presentation Format" dated September 5, 2023 from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer be received and filed; and THAT the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer prepare a budget presentation template, that incorporates the Budget Committee needs as outlined today, to ensure clarity and uniformity of presentations. Motion Carried. 6.5 Director of Financial Services/Treasurer - 2024 Budget Pressures and Rate Increase The Director of Financial Services/Treasurer presented a high-level overview of current budget pressures for the Committee's information in advance of 2024 budget deliberations. 3 Page 4 of 102 Moved by: Councillor Sloan Seconded by: Councillor Hentz RESOLVED THAT the report titled "2024 Budget Pressures and Rate Increase" dated September 5, 2023 from the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer be received and filed; and THAT the targeted rate increase remains unprescribed at this time. Motion Carried. 7. OTHER BUSINESS None. 8. CORRESPONDENCE 1101 9. CLOSED MEETING ITEMS None. 10. MOTION TO RISE AND REPORT I101rem 11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Budget Committee will be held on October 24, 2023 following the County Council meeting. 12. ADJOURNMENT Moved by: Deputy Warden Jones Seconded by: Councillor Sloan RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn at 11.41 a.m. to meet again on October 24, 2023 following the County Council meeting. Motion Carried. Don Shropshire, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk. Warden Ed Ketchabaw, Chair. 0 Page 5 of 102 REPORT TO BUDGET COMMITTEE FROM: Jennifer Ford, Director of Financial Services/Treasurer DATE: Oct 18, 2023 SUBJECT: 2024 Budget Survey Results RECOMMENDATIONS: THAT the report entitled "2024 Budget Survey Results" dated Oct 18, 2023 as presented by the Director of Financial Services/Treasurer be received and filed. INTRODUCTION: At the Sept 13, 2023 Meeting of the Budget Committee, the 2024 Budget Survey was approved to be released for a period of public consultation until Oct 13, 2023. The campaign provided survey participants the ability to win a pie each week from a local business. Thank you to those vendors who participated in this giveaway event. BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION: For the last several years, the Budget survey has been a document that informs the beginning of the County's budget process through public engagement. Staff are required to reflect upon the feedback given by the survey participants in order to address a related question when presenting their departmental budgets. The survey was posted for one month and focused respondent input on 28 questions related to services offered by the County of Elgin. The majority of the questions (26) were quantitative, with predetermined ratings such as Strongly agree to Strongly Disagree or "Other" which allowed some comments to be left. Two of the questions were qualitative that allowed respondents the opportunity to freely provide their opinions. Staff have categorized the qualitative information for ease of review during today's discussion. The results of the 2024 budget survey are provided in Appendix A as a Power point presentation for review and discussion during today's meeting. This year, staff have provided a comparison to last year's quantitative results only to identify areas where changes in priorities may have occurred for information purposes. Appendix B is the data and comments that were collected from the survey period. The County of Elgin has a population size of approximately 51,0001 persons (all ages — not inclusive of the City of St. Thomas). /ceirn suai_s_ire ein erifieint/ 02'�/(Jp— %irau/��tnnll lnn�� mm�nll �nirn¢n c�ir� Irnlnn>ct IlnniiirnIL�UIIILtllii tD �111�c1 1ILl 1lRlliiaµntz._�c �I'�/��I'�Iln��l Il�,ollliaµ�d:°�c��ll_hl_ILtI'.=11'�Ilua�t=:nD Page 6 of 102 2 vvniie our goal is to reach as many residents as possible during the survey period, 844 individuals chose to access the survey and 220 of those individuals filled out the survey. Therefore, approximately 26% of the individuals accessing the survey did complete the survey. At a higher level, the survey reached approximately 1.7% of the County's population with 26% of this subset responding to the survey. While the small sample size may not materially represent our population base, it is a similar submission size compared to prior years. Site Visitors 380 644 844 Survey submissions 216 394 220 % of visitor engagement 57% 61 % 26% Survey posted for approx. 1 month 2 months 1 month We added another primary tax category to the 2024 budget survey that moved 7% of respondents from identifying themselves as Residential or Commercial into the Agricultural category in this survey. Questions 3, 4 & 5 were directed towards Transportation services which outlined that this service remained Very important to respondents with the majority of respondents feeling that the spending in this category should be maintained. If funding was needing to be increased in this area, the majority of respondents felt that a phased in increase over 3-4 years would be the best approach. Question 6 focused on Government Services, Administration, County Council and committees. Respondents identified that they felt that there was either an appropriate amount or too much with a large number remaining neutral or identifying the need for more information in order to answer this question. Questions 7 & 8 were related to Economic Development and Tourism. Additional information related to services offered in this area was added to this question which resulted in the Needing to know and Ineffective categories decreasing. Most of the respondents felt that the programs were effective and that maintaining funding was more popular this year than in prior years. Staff concluded that additional information for some of the questions may assist us in obtaining better results. Questions 9 and 10 focused on Planning and Development. The majority of respondents felt that the Service was Important with increases in areas where respondents wished to have more information related to this service. Respondents wished to increase or maintain investment in this area. Page 7 of 102 3 Questions 11 & 12 showed some increased awareness of what Public Health provides to the community with responses increasing the importance of this service by 8% over last year. The majority of respondents identified this as an important service at some level. A call to increase service in this area resulted from this change. Questions 13 & 14 showed an increase to the importance of Emergency Medical Services for respondents. This translated into an increase to the maintain service funding from the Not sure/need to know more category. Questions 15 & 16 related to Cultural Services. The majority of respondents felt that this was a service of importance on some level to them with the majority feeling that funding should be maintained or increased. Questions 17 & 18 focused on Social Services and Affordable Housing and saw the importance of these services well distributed. There was almost an even split between maintain and increase funding for these services. Questions 19 & 20 focused on Long Term Care Homes and Senior Services with the majority of respondents identifying this as an important service. The majority of respondents voted to Maintain or Increase funding in this area. Question 21 asked for respondent opinion on whether they received good value for their Tax dollars. Two thirds of respondents were either neutral or felt that they were not getting good value for their tax dollars. Question 22 asked respondents for free form comments to identify why they voted as they did in Question 21. Many respondents either did not leave comments or left comments that related directly to services provided by our Local Municipal Partners. For the purposes of our discussion, these have been removed to enable Elgin staff to focus on the 57 comments related to services provided under our funding envelope. Themes were identified with relevant comments outlined below to identify the majority of the comments: Review Priority Spending (21 comments)- - Tax money seen to be wasted on- - Public Health - Community programs - Economic Development Page 8 of 102 0 Waste at the "Top" or Too many employees Service Groups Responses take too long ie. Permits High taxes in this area compared to others or Out of control spending Redoing roads because they are done the wrong way Efficiencies could be found with continued partnerships with LMP's and City of St. Thomas A need for Better Planning (11 comments)- - There were multiple levels or layers of approvals required for subdivision of homes that took a lot of time. Too many planners and layers are inefficient. - Need for more affordable housing - Long term planning required to ensure there is farmland to grow food into the future - Focus on urban needs while destroying rural business. Improve rural infrastructure by cutting urban and wasteful spending. - Different rules between Local Municipal Partners related to Planning causes frustration. - Set aside areas for industry and housing to ensure affordable housing. - Start planning for aging population. Review Priority Services (10 Comments)- - Too much waste in Social Service areas, including health units - Improve services to respond to aging and growing community. - Lack of road rehabilitation, roads are terrible, ditches eliminated and now experiencing flooding. - Two tier municipalities double the work, cost, and bureaucracy. Difficult to understand who does what. - Services aren't always available in our area, makes us wait longer in dangerous situations. Good Value (6 comments)- - Life is good - It appropriate - Fair return for what I pay - Some things are worth it and some things aren't - County roads in good shape compared to other areas. Cultural programming is very good. Question 23 asked respondents to identify the biggest Challenges facing Elgin County in the near future. Responses were evenly distributed across this question. The largest groups were evenly split at 22.1 % between Senior Services and Maintaining high quality roads, bridges and critical infrastructure. 16.1 % of respondents requested more information in order to answer this question. Page 9 of 102 5 Question 24 focused on the top two priorities that should receive more tax dollars. Social services (inclusive of supportive housing) and Long -Term care were the top two priorities. The next two in line after that were Transportation Services and Solving Other Emergent challenges such as connectivity and Housing. Question 25 asked for acceptable ways to increase spending on services. As in prior years, finding efficiencies was top of the list along with decreasing spending in other service areas and conditional upon increased Provincial funding the three most popular. Question 26 focused on two choices where fewer tax dollars should be spent. Providing grants for community programs, services and events was top of mind however, Cultural Services and Social Services were among the top four areas where fewer dollars should be spent. Staff noted that improved information to support respondent answers may be required for future surveys due to a high number of respondents requesting more information. Question 27 asked respondents for the most acceptable way to increase taxes if necessary over the next 10 years. The majority of respondents chose wither 0-2% or 2%-4%. Question 28 was another free form question designed to allow respondents the opportunity to provide additional input for the Budget Committee or Council. As in Question 22, many respondents either did not leave comments or left comments that related directly to services provided by our Local Municipal Partners. For the purposes of our discussion, these have been removed to enable Elgin staff to focus on the 46 comments related to services provided under our funding envelope. Themes were identified with relevant comments outlined below to identify the majority of the comments: Decrease Taxes (11 comments)- - Eliminate any unnecessary government services to reduce tax burden and allow individuals to have control over their own finances - Be more prudent with spending - Fiscal restraints and find efficiencies - Do not increase debt load with high interest rates - Allow people to catch up - Taxes should not be the go to answer when cost of living has gone up but wages haven't. - Farmers can't afford more property taxes - Stop wasting money on things that do not matter Page 10 of 102 uenerai (y comments): - Pay less for administrative positions and spend more money on services - Ongoing public education - Keep it simple and effective - Change Staff and make managers manage their budgets - Do you need a survey to tell you how to do your job? 0 Eng (5 comments)- - Make Roads, schools, and public spaces safe for kids - Our roads need to be sustainable if you are increasing housing, do not adopt 0% tax increase - Repaving Sunset seems unnecessary when other roads are in disrepair - Consider the climate as an import aspect EcDev (4 comments)- - Encourage industry and consider the jobs and education required re. apprenticeships - Jobs are important for the future - Re -orient budget towards aggressive and effective efforts when major economic benefits are closely available. - Hire a consultant to provide ideas on efficiencies and economic development. - Invest in economic development but better programs. Internet Advocacy (3 comments)- - Comments received were related to rural internet connectivity and cell tower placement. Advocacy for better internet to improve poor connectivity and cell signals is requested. DevCharges (3 comments)- - With VW and spinoff industries forthcoming, now is the time to reconsider development charges. - Growth pays for growth to take the burden off of taxes. Increase Support (3 comments)- - Comments received were related to increasing financial support for Healthcare items such as Hospice, STEGH MRI, and Tiny Hope based on the fact that we have mandated involvement with Long -Term Care. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: At this time, items relevant to Elgins' Budget will inform managers as they prepare their 2024 budget documents. One question related to the budget survey will be answered by Managers as they prepare for their budget: 1.) How did your department take into consideration the 2024 Budget Survey results. Page 11 of 102 7 ALIUNiwtN I WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: Serving Elgin Growing Elgin Investing in Elgin ® Ensuring alignment ® Planning for and ® Ensuring we have of current programs facilitating the necessary tools, and services with commercial, resources, and community need. industrial, residential, infrastructure to and agricultural deliver programs and ® Exploring different growth. services now and in ways of addressing the future. community need. ® Engaging with our community and other stakeholders. Additional Comments: ® Fostering a healthy environment. ® Enhancing quality of place. LOCAL MUNICIPAL PARTNER IMPACT: ® Delivering mandated programs and services efficiently and effectively. Some comments left by respondents outlined concerns related to services provided by our Local Municipal Partners. The publication of the 2024 Budget Survey Results will provide opportunity for those comments to be shared with our Local Municipal Partners. COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS: As outlined in the attached Power Point presentation. CONCLUSION: Staff would like to thank the respondents that participated in the survey this year and for bringing forward their comments and concerns for consideration. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Jennifer Ford Don Shropshire Director of Financial Services/Treasurer Chief Administrative Officer Page 12 of 102 amyl /r `�yl� 1414 • rah i i� lov , ' M 0 00 Lo -IT co co Nr -0-0 L� C,4 LO 0 0 M O o w" a. 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A Ll! ,V � I uLI 149 waa c wrMww '�/ 04) Page 49 of 102 1!!!IgIri Courity 2024 113u5get SurveySuiv(:;y 11:3(:;Iooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q'I What IMunicipallifty do you Iliive iin? 27(l 21 (9.5%) 33 (115.09i 5.9%) 70(31.8%) Question options Town of Aylmer Municipality of Bayham Municipality of Central Elgin 41111 Township of Malahide Township of Southwold , Municipality of Dutton Dunwich 0 Municipality of West Elgin SO I do not live in Elgin County Mandatory Question (220 response(s)) Question type: Radio Button Question Page 50 of 102 1!!!IgIri Courity 2024 13udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;Iooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q2 What !is the Ipirihmairy categoiry !in w1hich you 1pay taxes? Question options G Commercial Residential Agricultural Optional question (212 response(s), 8 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question Page 51 of 102 1!!!IgIri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;Iooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q3 IHo iiirn poirtaint aire Tirainspoirtatioin Services (Roads, IBirlidges and 11 infirastructu ire Maintenance) to you? 66(30.1 Question options One of the most important services Very important 9 Somewhat important 0 Not important Doesn't matter tome I Not sure /need to know more Optional question (219 response(s), 1 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question Page 52 of 102 1!!!1g1ri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;jooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q4 Elgin County's iinvestiment iin'Tirainspoirta-hoin Services (Roads, IBirlidges and 11 infirastructu ire Maintenance) should be: Question options * Increased Maintained n Reduced i Not sure/need to know more Optional question (219 response(s), 1 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question Page 53 of 102 1!!!IgIri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;Iooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q5 lif you chose III incire ased' ii in #3, Ip1lease ii indicate Ihow you wou ll Ipirefeir to see in ii incirease fin transportation ii infirastructu ire funded? 13(19.1%) Question options An initial one-time larger adjustment to tax levy Phased -in increases over 3-4 years Debt financing over a short-term (10 years) Debt financing over a longer -term (20 years) Optional question (68 response(s), 152 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question 5.9%) Page 54 of 102 1!!!IgIri Courity 2024 13udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;Iooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q6 Appiroxii mate Ily T2% of the Cou inty's tota 11 lbud get su p1po irts Gove irin ime int Se iry !ices, Administration, County Counclill, and Committees. Is this aimount: 67(3 Question options * Too little s Appropriate n Too much i Not sure/need to know more Optional question (218 response(s), 2 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question 92(42.2%) Page 55 of 102 u, uu.0 Caxuuu.ut, 2024II3uudget Survey uiva;y II:3(:;j oil loi, 12 Septeiribeir202 to 13 October 2023 '7 Ellgin County Economic I evellopment ai d 'Touiriisim its dedicated to enhancing iin he e oinomii well ll--lbeiiin of the ire lion lby attractinginew businesses, inuirtuirling existing ones, suppoir-fing entrepreneurship, and piromo-fing touirlisim, alill w1hille encouraging Ipiriiv te s,,,,,, 54(24.1 Question options Very effective Effective Ineffective Not sure/need to know more Optional question (218 response(s), 2 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question 103 (47.2%) g(: Hwy ol 56 Page 56 of 102 1!!!1g1ri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;jooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q8 Elgin County's iinvestiment iin Eton mii IDevellopment (Busliness Suppoirt, IRetention and Work -force IDevellopment efforts) and'Touirlisim should be: 25(11.4', I G I �--oj Question options * Increased Maintained n Decreased i Not sure/need to know more Optional question (219 response(s), 1 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question Page 57 of 102 u, uu.0 Caxuuu.uty 2024 I13uu5get Surveyuiva;y II:3(:;I oil loi, 12 Saulpteiuulbeir 2023 to 15 October 2023 9 The County im lkes plianning decisions Chat wiIIII determlinethe futuire of oir muniifies hirou h ain Official Plain and through lby.-Ilaws Chat est lbIliish irulles and ire ull tiions that controll development, The Planning niin Department its iresIPz nsliblle foir ensuring the...... 23 (- 69 (: Question options One of the most important services Very important 0 Somewhat important 0 Not important Doesn't matter to me I Not sure/need to know more Optional question (218 response(s), 2 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question 86 (39.4%) ) g(: "15 ol" 56 Page 58 of 102 1!!!1g1ri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;jooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q10 lEligiiinCouin-�y'sliinves-�imein-�iiinIPIlaininiiingaindIDeveliolpimein-�(iiincliudiiingILaindIDliviislioin Committee) should be: Question options * Increased Decreased n Maintained i Not sure/need to know more Optional question (217 response(s), 3 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question 29(13.4%) Page 59 of 102 1!!!IgIri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;Iooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q'I'l IHo iiirn poirtaint wire Public Health Services (funding provided to Southwestern Public Health) to you? 56(25.7%) 94(43.1%) Question options One of the most important Services Very important 9 Somewhat important 0 Not important Doesn't matter tome I Not sure/need to know more Optional question (218 response(s), 2 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question Page 60 of 102 1!!!1g1ri Courity 2024 13udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;jooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q12 IE 11 g !I in Cou inty's !I investment !I in IPu lb 11 lic IHe lItIn Se iry !ices (fu ind !I ing 1p irov lided to Southweste irin Public Health) should be: Question options * Increased Maintained n Decreased i Not sure/need to know more Optional question (219 response(s), 1 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question 85(38.8%) Page 61 of 102 1!!!1g1ri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;jooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q13 INN iiirn poirtainn wire Emeir en IMedicall Services (Aimbullance) to you? Question options One of the most important services Very Important Somewhat important 41111, Not important Doesn't matter to me , Not sure/need to know more Optional question (219 response(s), 1 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question 76(34.7%) �)ag(:"1 4 o 156 Page 62 of 102 1!!!1g1ri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uivf:;y 11:3(:;jooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q1IElIg fin Cou inty's finvestiment !I in IE imeirgency Id lica 11 Services (Aim lbu Ila ince) should be: 120 Question options G Increased Maintained Decreased Not sure/need to know more Optional question (218 response(s), 2 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question 79(36.2%) �)agf:� 15 ol 56 Page 63 of 102 1!!!IgIri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;Iooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q15 IHow ii impoirta inn wire IElIg ii in's '1 Ibirainch IUlbira irlies and Cu Itu ira 11 Services (Elgli in IHeiriite Centre and Archives) to you? 62(28.3%) Question options One of the most important services Very important 9 Somewhat important 0 Not important Doesn't matter tome I Not sure/need to know more Optional question (219 response(s), 1 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question 3%) Page 64 of 102 1!!!1g1ri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;jooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q16 lElig fin Cou inty's finvestiment !I in I Ilg !I in's '10 lbira inch IUlbirairlies a in Cu 11-tu irall Services (Eig fin Heirlitage Centre and Archives) should be: .— Question options * Increased Maintained n Decreased i Not sure/need to know more Optional question (219 response(s), 1 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question Page 65 of 102 1!!!IgIri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;Iooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 QT7 IHo iiimpoirtaint wire Sociall Services and Affordable Housing (funding provided to the City of S-L'Thomas, w1ho defliveirs these seirvices on our Ibelhallf) to you? 32 59(27 Question options One of the most important services Very important 9 Somewhat important 0 Not important Doesn't matter tome I Not sure/need to know more Optional question (218 response(s), 2 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question !.6%) �)ag(:"18 ol 56 Page 66 of 102 1!!!1g1ri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;jooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q18 lElig fin Cou inty's finvestiment !I in wire Socia 11 Services a in Affordable IHousli ing (fund !I ing provided to the City of S-L'Thoirnas, w1ho defliveirs these services oin our belhallf) should be: 29 (13.' , Question options * Increased Maintained n Decreased i Not sure/need to know more Optional question (219 response(s), 1 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question 83(37.9%) Page 67 of 102 u, uu.0 Caxuuu.uty 2024 II3uu5get Survey ui va;y II:3(:;j of i loi, 12 Saulpteiuulbeir 2023 to 13 October 2023 Q19 lIgiin IMa inoir, I oIbiieir Villll and Terrace ILodge wire IElIg iiin Couinty's owined a ind operated ILoing.-T'eirim Caire IHome fiilliifies piroviding 1peirsoin ll and the ll h services to 247 residents., IHow iiirn poirt inn wire ILoing.-'Teirim Caire IHomes and Seniors Services Ql ll iiin IMainoir, I lb....,, 48 (21.T Question options One of the most important % Very important 0 Somewhat important Doesn't matter tome Not sure/need to know more Optional question (219 response(s), 1 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question Page 68 of 102 1!!!1g1ri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uiv(:;y 11:3(:;jooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q20 Elgin County's iinvestment fin wire ILoing.-'Teirim Care IHomes and Seniors Services (Elgin Manoir, IBolblier Vililla and'Terrace ILodge ILoing.-Teirim Care Homes) should be: 104(47.7 Question options * Increased Maintained n Decreased i Not sure/need to know more Optional question (218 response(s), 2 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question 93(42.7%) Page 69 of 102 1!!!IgIri Courity 2024 113u5get SurveySuiv(:;y 11:3(:;Iooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q21 IDo you feell Chat you irecelive good vallue foir your fax dolillairs? 50(23.0%, Question options G Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree G Strongly Disagree Optional question (217 response(s), 3 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question 67(30.9%) ��Iag(:� 22 ol 56 Page 70 of 102 uu.0 1 f.axuuu.ut, y 2024 II''1uudget Survey uiva;y II°Ca;l ail loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 to 13 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, Please findlicate w1hy your feell your do or do not ire eiive good v Ilue for your fax ollll irs„ The roads are terrible. Wasting money on roundabouts instead of fixing the roads. Sidewalk snow clearing I the winter is beyond terrible. The city clears them when there is no snow, but when we get snow the sidewalks are covered for days. o viv�IIop.,I Do not to much waste at the top and service groups o vivpIIoR.,I I feel that Elgin County receives a disproportionate amount of my tax dollars and prefer that more of my resources remain in my local community, where I am more likely to access services. Useless to have a paid city worker doing cross walk duties. Useless having someone plow our sidewalks in the winter A,,p'Io ivpIIoR.,E,",, I'm just neutral on this topic I feel for what I pay in taxes, I get a fair return to make where I live a place I am proud to live in I feel the tax dollars for each allotment could be better used. HWY 4 DOESN'T need resurfacing every 15yrs, road further out of the city limits need WAY MORE attention. Think Southdale from Centennial to Spring water for 1. There other's just like it in just as desperate need of attention that aren't getting it. Instead we resurface something that is less than 20yrs old that shows ZERO signs of disrepair even though traffic has increased significantly. Also, BETTER COMMUNICATION with residence and more transparency. Not everyone wants to sit through a recording of counsel meetings, not everyone has social media and not everyone can read a VERY VAGUE poorly placed 2x3 road sign. Not everyone believes those bumpy things at every intersection of a bike trail that is rarely walked or run on by people with vision issues is necessary on a hwy. Yet other roads with WAY MORE pedestrian traffic closer to town, that could benefit from sidewalks or paved lanes - that would have mobile ag(: 23 ol" 56 Page 71 of 102 uu.0 f �.axuuu.ut, y 2024 I113uua get Survey uiva;y II:3(:;j oil loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 to 13 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, challenged individuals more likely using it and has been rumored to be available for over 20yrs still has nothing while development around them continues to grow. The money isn't being fairly used or properly planned out. I'm sure there are many more examples. o�`lyp,I,IoR.,I Compared to other municipalities, Ive heard taxes for Central Elgin are too high for what we get. I live in an apartment and pay rent so I have no idea what amount goes towards taxes so I don't really have an opinion. To much talk and not enough action. As with all political and government decisions and lack of actions. Auu'Io�'ly' I'Iop.,I,lu Out of control spending Auu'Io�'ly0'I'IoR.,I Too many people employed. Took out our sidewalks (Lanark Street Fingal), a lot of township workers who don't do a lot/stand around, remodeled the township building for looks, winter road maintenance has been lacking It is hard to evaluate if I receive good value. If I don't require the service (ie Economic dev, tourism, planning) is it of value to me to pay for it. ,,p'Io�`lyp,I,IoR.,E,",, my taxes are extremely high and have minimal benefit It's difficult living in a 2 tiered government system (Southwold and Elgin County) to know what government looks after what on a daily basis. I'm neutral on this .. we really don't see much return directly for our taxes paid other than snow removal , yard waste pick up etc. Our Police take up the largest portion of our taxes paid and fire dept as well .. But I'm thankful for having these services , other than I feel our APS is over staffed ag(: 24 ol" 56 Page 72 of 102 uu.0 f f.axuuu.ut, y 2024 II''�uua get Suy uiva;y II °Ca;l ail loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 to 13 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, Way over taxed. Hardly use any of the services. Tax based of market price of property. Farms way overpriced compared to what you can make from them. Therefore I pay more taxes. Have to stay home to run farm and never use many of your services. SWPH is a duplication of services that cater to "problems" that drain society whilst also farmland is devoured by mega corporations and for -profit developers o�`ly0'IIoR I, :, Our taxes keep increasing and the benefits do not. I understand everything is more expensive now but cost of living is insane. Auu'Io�'ly0"I'IoR I, :, No comment o,ly I,op„a�,, Too developer friendly. Need to balance growth with ensuring development pays for itself. Existing residents should not be fronting new growth. Affordable housing and lower cost housing should be prioritized not making developers more profit o,ly �'IIoR I, :, Elgin County is not capturing all revenue streams as it should. Over the next few years, there will be significant growth, and Elgin County does not have development charges in place to ensure growth pays for growth. This needs to be changed. o lyq "IIoR I, :, I pay over $6000 per year in taxes on 2 acres. For some reason the county has eliminated the ditches on rural roads. During heavy rain falls, the fields around me wash out my driveway. The township's solution was to pave the shoulders of our gravel road. This is an embarrassment! The dirt washed out from under the pavement and now there are large chunks of asphalt in the stream/drain the feeds the Thames River. o,ly �'IIoR I, :, Library collection is one of the best around. Cultural programming is very good. County roads are in good shape compared to other areas. o,.lyp,I,IoR I, :, Things within the town such as cross walks, parks, trails are well kept. ag(: 25 ol" 56 Page 73 of 102 �nonyrnouo Wearen't capturing all sources u(revenue from potential growth. Need to implement Development Charges. �n�nyrn�uo It's hard 0usay. It's bonice 0uhave transparency about where the money goes A,nonyrnouo Aaamember u(the public | see wasted tax payers money constantly. A,nonyrnmuo Two tier municipalities double the work, cost and bureaucracy. �n�nyrn�uo The structure for the allotment u(funds istop heavy. That's the case for many governments. |twould benice 0usee Elgin County take a step and be an example for other counties and show they care about the plight of those on fixed incomes and the working poor. �n�nyrn�uo Its kind u(hard 0uanswer this unless yuuprovide uaunwhat/how much that we are currently spending on each service. �nonyrnmuo Not enough places inold age homes. Not enough places insenior apartments. Not enough affordable housing �n�nyrnmuo There are thuoainvayhamwho are paying tax for the sub inport Burwell. From what | understand, nuone wants 0upay tax for that being there A,nOnyrnOuG | don't really have enough info nyrnmuo | feel like our property taxes are very high �n�nyrnmuo Roads are inpoor shape, roads are not maintained well inthe winter compared 0uother counties, money spent unsub could have been put to better use A,nonyrnouo Everybody has 0upay taxes you pay the amount that you're supposed Pago26 ol 56 Page 74 of 102 uu.0 1 f.axuuu.ut, 5 2024 II''1uudget Survey ui vf; II:Ca;I ail loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 If:a 13 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, ,,p'Io�`lyp,I,IoR.,I Central Elgin has some of the highest taxes in the province. It feels like we are forgotten in the West; not important enough for the same programs being funded in the city of St Thomas; geography should not make us less worthy of accessible programs and services; our small towns are not being taken care of on the same level as St Thomas. Why are we being told that our traffic concerns in West Lorne aren't important? Near misses, close calls, confused drivers and cars crashing into buildings should be more than enough reason to do some work on the main intersection that has most residents, new and veteran alike, worried about being hit or worried about hitting pedestrians who have no clear crosswalk? This isn't a new problem, I've been driving in this town since the mid 1990's and have been lucky to escape numerous close calls in my lifetime at the corner of Graham and Main. It is a messes Road maintenance on class 3 roads (gravel roads) is very minimal at best. We understand that primary routes need the most attention but very little attention is given to the back roads. We are constantly dealing with dust, mud and deep pot holes and ruts. It would be nice to see these roads tar and chipped. Additionally, the Central Elgin parking ticket prices and accompanying complaints are outrageous and will kill any tourism that is generated by the Econ Dev teams. Seems like most of Elgin county's $$$ goes to Port Stanley and the rest of us are an afterthought. There is no turning lane off of Sunset (on to Talbotville Gore) to access what will soon be 50% of the population on Southwold. It is becoming very dangerous to make this turn and am not sure why this planning was not a priority. It is only a matter of time before there will be accidents at this entry point. o�`ly �,I,IoR.,I Snow clearing needs to be improved (takes too long) Water rates are way to high Fair allocation among municipalities- need to be evaluated each year with adjustments within the 5 year window Page 75 of 102 uu.0 f f.axuuu.ut, 5 2024 II''�uudget Survey uiva; II°Ca;l ail loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 to 13 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, o�`ly �,I,IoR.,I Pay $7000 property taxes and live on a sub par tar and chip road. Meanwhile Wilson is a road over and superbly paved. Not enough Doctors. Not enough baseball diamonds. Terrace Lodge is understaffed - while management is on the sunshine list - employees are offered a 3% raiseV We need to support the services that we have and I am willing to do that if money is spent wisely. A,,p'Io�`lyp'IIo; .,I The roads are terrible. No bike lanes ,,uIo�`ly �,I,IoR.,I Too much top heavy spending of resources. The services should be done in a timely matter. Ridiculous how long it takes to get permits. Time deadlines should be made and followed. o�`lyp,I,IoR.,I Taking care of the elderly in a respectful and responsible manner should be top priority. These patients have been long time residents of our community. They deserve excellent care and treatment. The facility should be well staffed and equipped to provide top notched care. Facilities should be equipped with top notch cleaning services and good quality food and hygiene. Taxpayers themselves will be using these facilities. o ly I,IoR.,E,",; money is wasted on urban needs and destroying the rural businesses with neglect and useless regulations to provide urban areas with recreation or pretty countryside while block roads with traffic and taking farmland for cities. ie question 5 did not give an option to improve rural infrastructure but cutting urban/wasteful spending Water rates are too high. Should have free parking for residents in Port Stanley. ag(: dl' 8 of 56 Page 76 of 102 uu.0 t �.axuuu.ut, y 2024 I113uua get Survey uiva;y II:3(:;j oil loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 to 13 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, Let's see how the government treats pay for everything they do; like they even care. Wages are too high benefits are ridiculous in our taxes are too high because of this. We need less people working at the municipality doing more work because let's face it they have a lot of free time. The wages are way too high, and she never even be close to that. Government people work off the harder in dollars of the people that can't afford to even survivor pay their own taxes. Nothings ever going to change unless this council, at least a few of them on council because we don't have everybody that's good. The good ones need to be in together and fix it. This is the first chance we had half a decent council. Now get rid of the rest of the assholes on Council, and in the municipality. I feel like we are developing too much farm and forest land. I would like to see people living in areas already developed not spreading out. It seems like it is all to do with money and not thinking of future generations and long term. Lands are being developed in wet lands etc. o lyp.I.I„„yW,,I The government keeps talking about housing issues . We have tried to get approval for a mobile home in my parents lot as this is the only option we have as a young family and we have been denied as the county/ southwold township doesn't allow them ! But central elgin allows them. It's very frustrating that we pay good tax money on the property and we can't even do what we need to be done ! I hope things change in the near future ! o ly I.Id„yR.,E,I, Economic development is next to nothing and is key to long term growth Southwold taxes are reasonable Your bus services are not up to par, the route cuts that were made cut off seniors being able to travel. Moving busses to main areas decrease the ability to travel within the city. Plus more housing for low income people needs more attention not putting money on making things pretty, doesn't work when the homeless and encampment s are around the city. ,,p'Io�`lyp.I.I„„yW.,I Dutton provides so many fun programs for kids in this community. I Page 77 of 102 1!!!1g1ri Courity 2024 113udget Survey �� Suiv(:;y loi, 12 Septeivilbeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 apofii5iate--every. hi—n—g-c-ily hda[Fdob-slde our §rndrl cbmMUhity—. Better road cleaning and snow removal, SEWAGE DRAINS, as well as communication. These are all things that need to be improved. Our taxes increase every year we are currently taxed over 5000 dollars for very little in return o � ly pI I o RI We are very fortunate to have the services that we do have in our rural communities. A r ii ii; i r ritriii'1ii';iq.0 Redoing roads the wrong way just for them to have to be redone is wasteful. Why does it. Take so long to redo roads. In other countries it takes a week here takes months. Which is wasteful and bad for traffic Residential road maintenance, crumbling roads which have been "on the books" to do for several years but have not been done nor seeming to do in the near future Poor roads and sidewalks in belmont, hard to encourage new businesses due to very high property taxes, residential property taxes too high A, u I o � ly 0I I o; I admin gets paid too much - workers and supplies need more A, u I o � ly 0 I I o RI It's appropriate Services aren't always available in the area and not being located in a city makes us wait long in dangerous situations. A, u I o � ly' I I o RI Life is good(D A, uI o � ly � I I o pI Too expensive and have to pay extra for larger garbage disposal ag(:30 ol 56 Page 78 of 102 uu.0 1 f.axuuu.ut, y 2024 II''luua get Survey uiva;y II°Ca;l ail loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 to 13 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, "gnu"Io�'ly0"I'IoR.,E,",, I can afford it ,,p'Io�`lyp,I,IoR.,I Taxes are too hogh!!! We don't even get free parking. A,,pIo; `lyp,I,IoR.,I It would be great to implement a green bin bi weekly A,,p'Io�`lyp'IIo; .,I I'm neutral. Somethings are worth the $ and somethings aren't. Great services in West Elgin they just need to be improved and tweaked and respond to the aging community and growing community. The library is a great hub and really could be the go to for so many more activities, events and partnerships. Update the computers please and have a way to scan our "digital" library card for computer access. Too much waste in social service areas; including Health Unit and not enough spent on improvements for actual tax payers. o�`lyp,I,IoR.,I Taxes are high in rural malahide township ..we have no fire hydrants no street lights .. gravel roads not maintained very well .. the arena in town has cost taxes to increase I'm sure .. sad mess that place is . o�`lyp,I,IoR.,I I believe money isn't funnelling into the areas it should be to make Dunwich Dutton more desirable. For example, side streets in Dutton don't have curbs, and roads haven't been well maintained, Nancy Street is a good example of this, Miller road looks great with well maintained and newer sidewalks, curbs and roads, but the older sections of town don't seem to get the same kind of care or attention. Our taxes in Iona Station are excessive, yet we don't have sewers or sidewalks. Iona road has become a main thoroughfare going between the 401 and Highway 3 making the area known for highway speeds. There are no deterrents in place to reduce speeds. Things that take the longest like recreation decisions that support youth in our community tend to take a long time or our service clubs are saddled with the weight of funding programs and fundraising for projects that then take ages to complete. When they are complete, like our beautiful sports pad, it isn't big enough to accommodate two different activities. So if the tennis courts are up, you can only play half court basketball, when this was being built, it would have made sense to ''ag(: 31 ol"36 Page 79 of 102 uu.0 t �.axuuu.ut, y 2024 II''�uua get Survey ui vf;y II: (:;jo ai 1 loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 202 to 13 October 2023 u, make tia sur ac�arger o accommo a e more than one thing at a time. More programs being able to operate out of the community centre that are youth focused to allow for kids to have a place to go and get off the street would be great, a lot of programs seem to be available for times when most are working, so great for the retired, not so great for anyone else. I feel that the people who work on road maintenance do not take enough care in their work. Specifically, they have repeatedly damaged the grass in front of my house and have not adequately maintained the shoulder of the road. o lyp,I,IoR.,I East Elgin Community Complex is not a community building. Needs improvement! Blow too much money building places like the complex with no pool and next to a dairy farm which stinks. Not very a attractive for weddings etc In Rodney be have issues with sidewalks being even, this is dangerous for seniors, children and risavled persons. One side walk even has grass part way through. I would also like to see disposal for cigarettes around the park and Furnival. The side street behind businesses is filthy and neighbours are having a hard time keeping up with garbage there. As a bonus I would really love to see the pool made indoors and at the least fix the showers at the pool because they hardly work and are in rough shape. o�`ly �,I,IoR.,I For what I pay, (compared to other municipalities) and considering we have no water, sewer and have volunteer fire protection I pay too much for what I get back. Our taxes are always increasing yet our water debeture has been paid. Nothing else has changed why are theresuch increases in my taxes? agf: 32 oI 56 Page 80 of 102 uu.0 1 f.axuuu.ut, y 2024 II''luua get Survey uiva;y II°Ca;l ail loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 to 13 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, o�`lyp,I,IoR.,E,",, certain departments seem to lack competent staff. some field equipment approaching end of useful life. building inspections are hindering development and completion dates due to lack of staff. especially out of St thomas. I feel that Port Stanley locals should not have to pay for parking or at least have a very reduced parking program. Just moved to Port Stanley in late August 2023 from London and haven't seen our tax dollars at work just yet. o ly I,IoR.,I I pay nearly $6000 a year residential - on septic , well, no sidewalks , no street lights - highest taxes I've EVER paid and I've lived in three Different counties o lyp,I,IoR.,E,",, Taxes are way too high for me I have no major issues other than how unefficient it was when we purchased and subdivided a house from family farmland. It seemed we were in contact with 10 different people in the planning office who did not have any communication amongst themselves and relied on us coming in and out, as well as mailing things every other week. o ly I,IoR.,I It's adequate. I understand that there is a lot more red tape and bureaucracy for the municipalities to abide by to get things done which usually costs more money but I also understand people are struggling to make ends meet and don't want an increase in taxes. I think it's important to think long term and provide people with more affordable housing and start planning for the future of our aging population. Our water bill is so high and the water is so hard we need to pay extra for water softener. Value is ok, but there could be efficiencies found with continued partnerships with LMP and City of St. Thomas. ag(: 33 ol 5 Page 81 of 102 uu.0 f t.axuuu.ut, y 2024 I113uua get Suy uiva;y II °Ca;l ail loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 to 13 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, p�o�ly "pIo; I,, The county roads in Port Burwell are a disgrace . Plank road was paved and within a year it had cracked up so bad that it had to be caulked . Big job like that should be guaranteed and someone should pursue having it fixed properly . Not sure if the lighthouse in Burwell is included maybe bayham's responsibility o rVp,I,IoR„a�,, Too many planners/ high paying office jobs, tourism/ heritage , Elgin fire school, but we can't get our roads fixed, or gravel put back onto our shoulders. Too many fire departments. Need to merge Springfield and lyons fire halls as well as union and port Stanley. Too close together, could save on building maintenance and eliminate trucks. Paving the tiny little walking trail that never gets used at south dorchester community hall but can't fix roads. Lack of road rehabilitation Lack of policing we dont have side walks or street lights, we just got garbage pick up, no sewers, and flooding issues. o rVq ""pIoR I, :, Money is going to uneeded infrastructure and incomes of highly paid management in my municipality. o„ V p I I „gip„a�,, High taxation. Top heavy with high salary administration. Submarine wasteful project maintenance costs. o„ V p I I o R I, :, Highh taxes high waste.poor admi istrtration.ie port Burwell submarine County Hass little regard for the taxpayer.there is only one A,,p'Io„ V p I I „gip„a�,, Need more information. See first 20 answers /uu.uOUS Tax Money is being wasted on unnecessary things like Public Health, ''ag(: yuli ol 56 Page 82 of 102 1!!!1g1ri Courity 2024 113udget Survey �� Suiv(:;y III(:�Iooi,I loi, 12 Septeivilbeir 2023 Io 13 October 2023 G6MMUMV programs, 666h6iiii6 d6VbFoilmen ll 6 c. 1/4 111 0u B 1/4 111 0u B A lot of problems at the board Roads are well maintained year round - Grabage picked up weekly - Water quality - excellent - Adequate green space/walking & cycling trails They should be an area set aside for industry Roadwork like cutting down dead tress, has been neglected. Southwold Township tenders out too many jobs to companies when township workers should be doing these jobs. I feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful area of Ontario and it seems the county is proud of it as well. Optional question (113 response(s), 107 skipped) Question type: Essay Question ag(:35 ol 56 Page 83 of 102 1!!!IgIri Courity 2024 113u5get SurveySuivf:;y 11:3(:;Iooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q23 What do you Chink wiIIII The the Ibliggest c1halilleinges facing Elgin County fin the inear futuire? 35(16.1%) hwaL%zaaam 37(17.1%) Question options Maintaining high quality roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure Emergency medical services Seniors services Support for business , Not sure/need to know more I Other (please provide your comments): Optional question (217 response(s), 3 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question ��Iagf:� 36 ol 56 Page 84 of 102 Question 23 Other Comments* • Economic development (ensuring Elgin is at the forefront and beneficiary of regional industrialization) and rebuilding from the aftermath of a deeply rooted institutional and reputational crisis. • More population more emergency medical and fire necessary in a local timely fashion. Also, if you keep 'repairing' roads that don't need it and ignore the roads that need it the most - that will be an even BIGGER ISSUE - mainly for locals and farms. Either return them to gravel or FIX THEM PROPERLY once and for all • Development to increase tax revenues. • Affordable housing , geared income housing , and because we have a large aging community, aged residential homes • Inflation • Attracting/retaining Doctors and housing for seniors almost needing LTC • dealing with the increase of people moving to our area • Daycare - receiving daycare in an appropriate amount of time not 22 months • Being prepared for the population growth and the growth of diversity. • Housing and homelessness. Rent is out of control, trying to buy a home is nearly impossible for a single person like myself, and we are at risk of becoming sleeper/ commuter villages with no resources. RBC has left Dutton Dunwich without a bank. What's next? If homes are only affordable to those with 6 figure incomes who work in cities then that will become the population - people who work and shop in London but sleep in our towns. It's not bringing much positive outlook for the future. • Rebuilding trust in council at the upper and lower levels. • Water rates • Affordable and RGI housing • Food crisis! • We need less people decrease taxes, and the right people doing the right jobs. • Increase business development with poor internet • Medical services and providing good roads where accidents happen often to improve and possible help prevent accidents • Rising house costs, offerings of affordable housing • Building enough houses • Social services, providing affordable housing and support for those living with mental illness and/or homelessness. • Affordable housing shortages, especially for certain areas of Elgin County. Too many "luxury homes and condos being built • Programs for family and children to connect with the community. • Housing!!!! • Staying in pace with the anticipated growth • Fostering growth without loss of agricultural land. • Funding of services. Need DC's with expected growth coming to area with VW plant and Amazon now here. Taxpayer should not pay for growth as they are now. Growth pays for growth. Page 85 of 102 • Too many people coming in for the medical system and housing . Causing inflation which in turn contributes to most of the problems we have right now • Affordable housing • Affordable Living/Poverty • Affordable Housing • For long term success economic development too be a priority. Grow a job based tax generating economy. The battery plant is important and more is needed partnering with prove. & feds. • emergency services, seniors services (not enough beds at Terrace Lodge when we are an aging population? - housing for homeless and low to mid income earners • Maintaining high -quality roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure, emergency medical services, support for business * The above comments are provided in bullet point form for the "Other" category which has been transcribed as closely to the original phrasing provided by respondents. This was necessary due to software restrictions that did not enable the downloading of the actual responses for this particular question. Page 86 of 102 u, uu.0 Caxuuu.ut, 2024II3uudget Survey uiva;y II:3(:;I oil loi, 12 Septeiribeir202 to 13 October 2023 Please Ipli lk your tlP 'T () Ipirlioirli'fies 'hat you Ibelllieve Elgin County should spend imoire fax dolillairs in„ 90 79 60 70 59 60 »u0 � 44 FIN 41 40 60 R 20 '1 0 Question options 26 27 71 49 20 00 Transportation Services (roads, bridges and infrastructure maintenance) Social services and affordable housing (market rent housing, supportive housing, rent -geared -to -income and emergency shelter) Emergency medical services (ambulance) 01 Public Health Providing grants for community programs, services and events Library & cultural services (including museums and archives) 49 Long-term care homes and seniors services 4 Solving other emergent challenges such as connectivity, housing, etc. 40 Not sure/need to know more 4D Other (please specify) Optional question (219 response(s), 1 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question Page 87 of 102 Question 24 Other Responses* • 1 would say roads but again only if put on the roads needing the work. • You do not need to spend MORE. Limit the health unit & conservation authority • Don't spend more $$, get efficient. • water and waste water management, clean up catfish creek and better flood mitigation and prevention. • Should not spend more money. You did not provide this as an option. Therefore survey is skewed towards the answer you want. • Top two priorities are: Save money and Remove red tape for business development. • Transition to single tier. Find ways to support a 0% budget increase. • Childcare • Food costs need to go down or the rate of malnutrition is going to go up. • Daycare near our public school to help facilitate easier access to local families so we are able to work and reduce pressure and ease the work life balanace • Decrease taxes and stuff at the municipality • Economic development • Fibre internet • Helping to supply organizations that support all of Elgin County... Animal Aide for example. • Money on extra policing. Crime and speeding. Putnam road never gets any policing. Too far away from police station. Cars go way too fast, passing dangerously. • Increase policing, speed reducing • Workforce development • Cimate crisis preparedness should be happening in all of these areas. Espeiclally so in sharing credible information (Library services) and in emergency services preparation. I'd like to see more efforts placed on making builders accountable for the land they are clearing to put up more housing. Ensure that sufficient green codes are met and that trees and wildflowers are re -planted. • transportation services to link rural communities • Your survey only allowed two chouses as to how the county should spend more tax dollars. Housing is at the top of my list. I have never before seen people sleeping in the park in Aylmer or curled up on the sidewalk near KFC. There are too many homeless. That should never happen in a country as prosperous as Canada. And it is not just the homeless but low to middle income families finding it more difficult to find lodging. They can no longer afford suitable housing and are forced to accept less than suitable housing for their families. Secondly, our area is becoming an attractive place to live. People are moving from the GTA and relocating here for their retirement. It's good to know we project a welcoming atmosphere and have much to offer. But to go along with the many seniors already living here and more to come, we don't have near enough beds needed for long term care. Why were no extra beds not added to Terrace Lodge was restructured? That would have saved more costly expenditures down the road. I Page 88 of 102 tried for five years to get my mother into Terrace Lodge and she was forced to go to a nursing home with no air conditioning and the heat was unbearable but surprising enough that wasn't a health issue! She passed before she could get a bed at Terrace Lodge. It is similar to the school board building a new school and having to add extra portables upon opening because they didn't have enough room Plan Ahead! My third house would be the LIBRARIES. I wish all County staff in a position to make budget decisions would take time to visit our local libraries. They are such a hub of activity for all ages! Its not just a BUILDING! It is a place to gather not only to read, but to obtain assistance, help with research, and for some a peaceful place away from a hostile environment. And you should see how eager the pre-schoolers are to come. So many worthwhile activities are provided for children during the holidays. And the wonderful thing about it, it is free. It is a blessing for families who cannot afford to sign their children up in sports or pay for them to go to camp. If we encourage the young to love books, what a better would this would be. * The above comments are provided in bullet point form for the "Other" category which has been transcribed as closely to the original phrasing provided by respondents. This was necessary due to software restrictions that did not enable the downloading of the actual responses for this particular question. Page 89 of 102 1!!!1g1ri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uivf:;y 11:3(:;jooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q25 Acceptable ways to iincire ase spending oin these services finclude (1please c1heck a1111 Chat aI ply): ME ME Im '100 93 79 11M M 40 31 W 134 Question options Increase in tax levy Decrease spending in other service and program areas Make increased spending conditional on increase in provincial funding 4,111, Finding efficiencies Not sure/need to know more 11 Other (please specify) Optional question (217 response(s), 3 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question 17 11 ��Iagf:� 38 ol 56 Page 90 of 102 Question 25 Other Responses* • There is no acceptable increase. • push back on the other levels of government for more funding, if it is more evident it will show on the next election and survey. • Budget accountabilities by finding savings before spending • Finding other revenue streams like Development charges to offset growth pressures on the budget. • 1 don't agree with increasing any money to do anything right now until you get the taxes under control. Decrease the amount of people working here get rid of their outrageous, benefits, and why the hell are government employees still getting pensions? • increases taxes and spend it more efficiently. • the feds and province are are causing the problem so they should pay. Trudeau is hauling in plenty of our tax money with all his new taxes so get him to throw some our way • Economic development previously noted - increases tax base. More manufacturing jobs - throughout the province * The above comments are provided in bullet point form for the "Other" category which has been transcribed as closely to the original phrasing provided by respondents. This was necessary due to software restrictions that did not enable the downloading of the actual responses for this particular question. Page 91 of 102 u, uu.0 Caxuuu.ut, 2024II3uudget Survey uiva;y II:3(:;I oil loi, 12 Septeiribeir202 to 13 October 2023 6 IFe eir fax dolillairs should Ihe spent oin (selle t tolp'TWO Chat ppII )„ 80 70 60 80 40 27 30 20 33 68 O 10 O ,a O O Question options 43 30 74 39 13 Transportation Services (roads, bridges and infrastructure maintenance) Emergency medical services (ambulance) Long-term care homes and seniors services Orr Public Health Providing grants for community programs, services and events Library & cultural services (including museums and archives) Solving other emergent challenges such as connectivity, housing, etc. O Not sure/need to know more O Social services and affordable housing (market rent housing, supportive housing, rent -geared -to -income and emergency shelter) Other (please specify) Optional question (216 response(s), 4 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question Page 92 of 102 Question 26 Other Responses* • Frivolous spending, such as expensive renovations, poppy fields, and general over spending. • Tourism • Could start with the Public service budgets • TVDSB needs MORE representation from RURAL Elgin County NOT London • New construction at city hall. Sell property and move • Drug use and safe spaces, as playgrounds are full of needles, you might as well stop supplying them • Fewer high -paid consultants and lawyers • an overall review of spending should be done so that the public can make a more informed decision of where spending could be cut. • The arena is a big ax grab The old arena never functioned like the mess this one is .. • Irrelevant public workers jobs • Waste and redundancy. • 1 don't believe any of these areas should be provided less • 1 consider all of the above to have some importance so would hate to see fewer tax dollars spent in any area. * The above comments are provided in bullet point form for the "Other" category which has been transcribed as closely to the original phrasing provided by respondents. This was necessary due to software restrictions that did not enable the downloading of the actual responses for this particular question. Page 93 of 102 1!!!IgIri Courity 2024 113udget Survey uivf:;y 11:3(:;Iooil loi, 12 Septeiribeir 2023 lo 13 October 2023 Q27 III fax iincire ases wire inecessairy to irrrmaintafin or firm prove the Ilevell of services provided lby the County, w1hat would The in accelptalble yearly fax fincire ase oveirthe inext,10 years., 53(24.5%) Question options * 0% 0-2% 92-4% 04-6% Other (please specify) Optional question (216 response(s), 4 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question �)agf:40 ol 56 Page 94 of 102 Question 27 Other Responses* • neg 10/20% - no tax increases stop wasteful spending and having rural area subsidize urban program while abandoning rural areas. • Many people haven't had salary increases in years so how can they be expected to pay more in taxes? • Unsure • there are more people and housing going up so as the building increases then so does the tax money increase. * The above comments are provided in bullet point form for the "Other" category which has been transcribed as closely to the original phrasing provided by respondents. This was necessary due to software restrictions that did not enable the downloading of the actual responses for this particular question. Page 95 of 102 uu.0 1 f.axuuu.ut, y 2024 II''1uudget Survey uivf;y II°Cf;l ail loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 to 13 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, I o you Ih ve any otheir comiments or suggestions for the I Budget Comimlittee or Coundill iregairdling the 2024 budget? o vivp'IIoR.,I The budget for Economic Development and Tourism should be closely reviewed and reoriented towards aggressive and effective efforts, undertaken by a staff complement of industry professionals who also understand local dynamics, to seek and secure economic development opportunities related to the broader industrialization of the region. I do not support my tax dollars being used exclusively for promotional videos and small-scale tourism campaigns at a time when major economic benefits are closely available. „The taxes are too high already o v,ivI,IoR.,I Use asset management to determine funding, math can't be argued with ,Re-evaluate where you are actually spending the money. Some of the most recent uses were great while yet feel unfinished as only portions were used in those areas - ie bridges but the connecting roads were left in same deterioration, disrepair, conditions you claim Sunset will be in should you not do the current unnecessary work. Question #5 should say #4 not #3. You can't even put a mistake free survey together. We are doomed. With the new EV plant going in and the increase in traffic and residents (both in the city and county), an increase in ambulances need to happen to maintain and hopefully increase the availabilityand responses times for everyone. Also with that, connectivity (internet) needs to increase in rural areas at a faster pace then currently occurring. Libraries are almost extinct with the availability of the internet. If anything have 1 library in a central spot in the East and 1 in the West or eliminate both but ensure their is free wifi at all government buildings within Elgin County and if need be, partner with a business to offer free Wil'i if no government buildings exist in a certain town/area. Page 96 of 102 uu.0 1 f.axuuu.ut, y 2024 II''luuayget Suy uivf;y II °Cf;l ail loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 If:a 13 ��uv't'axlbe 2023 u, ,,p'Io�'lyp"I'Iop.,I,:" With inflation farmers can not afford more property tax. o�'ly�'I'Iop.,I Less pay for administrative and county positions (councillors, etc) and more money to public services o�`ly0"IIoR.,I Elgin County needs to implement Development Charges now to capture the growth anticipated from Amazon, VW battery plant in St. Thomas and the infrastructure improvements coming from these large economic investments. o�`lyp,I,IoR.,I We really need more affordable renting opportunities within the community. o�`lyp,I,IoR.,I With the potential growth from VW, Amazon, and spinoff industries forthcoming, need to have her development charges to capture revenue and make growth pay for growth. o ly I'IoR.,I Stop wasting money on consulting services when town staff so should be able to get the information needed. Make the EECC more self sufficient by offering services and activities outside of regular business hours. (Shuffle board, for example at 10 am is great for retired seniors but no one else) o lyp,I,IoR.,I Stop wasting money on things that do not matter. Look to the future. invest in economic development but need better programs. Less in libraries. Invest in roads. o lyp,I,IoR.,I I feel very strongly that Elgin County needs a hospice. The services that a hospice would provide would be invaluable to individuals and their families on an end -of -life journey. As it stands, our county has no dedicated palliative care beds so many are dying in long-term care facilities or at the hospital which are not always the appropriate option. Having a hospice will relieve significant (and growing) pressures on our healthcare system. Elgin County residents deserve the end -of -life support that a hospice can provide. This is a project that should be funded. agf: l2 ol 56 Page 97 of 102 uu.0 f �.axuuu.ut, y 2024 II''�uua�ge Survey uiva;y II:3(:;j oil loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 to 13 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, Do not consider a 0% increase such as Central Elgin is considering, for 3 more years!! That is a recipe for disaster!! Infrastructure, our roads need to be sustainable if you are increasing housing.. o�`lyp'IIo; .,I Since the county supports healthcare ( nursing homes, ambulance, public health and previous large donations to our hospital ) I feel it very important to financially support the Hospice of Elgin with a multi year commitment! None Like it or not, Elgin County has an accountability to support public investments not supported by other levels of government. For example, the Hospice, Tiny Hope, STEGH's MRI, etc. Don't waste money on a set of stairs that only a few homes will actually use. They should raise the money to pay for it and upkeep it on their own like Bayfield did. This should not be something that all tax payers should be on the hook for. Its hard to accept increasing taxes, when cost of living has drastically increased, and wages haven't. ,,uIo�`ly �,I,IoR.,I Ongoing public education on multiple areas and on multiple topics. The social services problem is mostly a mental health crisis. To keep feeding money into a totally broke system is not efficient. There needs to be a bigger voice to advocate the need for a facility to provide proper care. This should funded totally by the government. o�`lyp'IIo; .,E,",; why allow city services to be installed on county roads without requiring rural areas access to these services? ie - cell tower connections down third line even after bell reduced the limited wireless internet services offered to same people. home fibre would ag(: 43 ol"36 Page 98 of 102 uu.0 1 f.axuuu.ut, 5 2024 II''1uudget Survey uiva; II °Ca;l ail loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 2023 to 15 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, ali ve had no cosiother t an wire an rura residents bypassed once again only to support city/urban wants. zero cost and maximizing value of county assets to residents o lyp'IIoR.,I Change staff because the people you have a charge can't maintain their own budgets that they submit. Make your managers accountable for their budget. Don't let anybody go over budget because every time you do our taxes co-op don't create jobs for people just to keep him there so they can stay there so that they can collect your pension pension that they're gonna live off harder in peoples money that are never going to make what they make anyway. You need to decrease the staff pay. You need to decrease their benefits and get rid of the pensions or at least decrease them significantly. People want to work in a job they should work on their own merit and save their own money. Before the community gets bankrupt, do something with our taxes. The taxes need to go down. The staff need to minimize and people need to be utilized to their full potential if they're not doing your job right find somebody who will. Sitting in a job and being allowed to get away with harassment, vulgarity, calling people names and doing a little are next to nothing waiting out for your pension is not right!! And yes, you have any of those that are now sitting on a pension collecting tax dollars to should've been fired before they ever got to this point. Now I understand why there's rules about harassment from the government because that's where it starts and that's where it still is. Centralelgin had a massive amount of harassers on Council and staff from 2018 to 2022 and there are still some that need to go, and those that are gone living on a pension of our taxpayers, dollars should be ashamed of themselves and centralelgin should be disgusted to allow these people to keep their jobs for the 25 years because they work for the government. And that's why they were never fired because you're all in the same boat. Will there ever been any changes? Absolutely not!! o�`lyp'IIo; .,I Please help on getting the use of a mobile home in southwold township . This is the only way we can afford housing for my family Get a consultant in to provide ideas on efficencies and economic development Fibre internet to rural areas is my highest priority. Pressure levels of government to increase funding to SWIFT ,,p'Io�`lyp,I,IoR.,I Pay attention to the whole picture, neighborhood and how your ''ag(: 44 ol 56 Page 99 of 102 E1g1nCourity202413ud0e Survey �8umoyF3(:�po�loi,12 Se9temlber2O23 lo13 October2O23 sehide§ and Fow -income tamiffes -can find ffi6 help . Spend Fess -on making things pretty, get homeless off the main west end streets. More police service for the bad areas in the community s �n�nyrnmuo Wecan't afford another tax increase. Tax more unthrnew houses being built and make the builders pay for the new infrastructure needed for the the subdivisions and not the existing residents. Anonitmoum Stop raising taxes yuummaking itaupeople who make $17OOOO household can't afford. A,n0nyrnOuG Nu �nonyrnmuo Please let people 'catch up' from all the additional expenses we're currently facing, io.housing, groceries, fuel. | don't know anyone who can afford to pay even more taxes. Make roads, schools, and public spaces safe for kids. Make health care for family'smore accessible. Make more safe spaces for kids outside u(school like parks, and libraries. A,n0nyrnOuG Help pay for Hospice ufElgin �n0nyrnOuG Water is too high, taxes are too high! -- �nonyrnmuo Animal Aide supports all u(Elgin county, and the financial support, if any, is minimal. �nonyrnmuo Please, keep dsimple and effective. Stop trying 0usave the world; folks need 0utake responsibility for their own out comes. Noone minds paying taxes 'but that arena is not much use if your not ahockey person ' when dwas 0ubebuilt people wanted apool put upn'that never was mviewod'they never promote concerts nothing 'Nuentertainment whatsuovoc'I'm sure our taxes increased substantially when the arena was built .. Pago�45 ol 56 Page 100 of 102 uu.0 f f.axuuu.ut, y 2024 II''�uua get Survey uiva; II °Ca;l ail loi, 12 Saulpteivilb it 202 to 1 ��uvtaxlbe 2023 u, A,,p'Io�`lyp'IIo; .,I Thank you for working hard for our community ,,pIo�`ly �,I,IoR.,I Increasing taxes should not be the go -to answer every year. o�`ly �,I,IoR.,I High speed fibre internet is going in all around us but our area Dutton/Dunwich has been largely neglected. There are a few country roads that have been addressed but most are still struggling with very slow speed internet and trying to run farm businesses in poor signals from towers and telephone lines. We need better internet service down all roads in the municipality. ,,p'Io�`lyp,I,IoR.,I Not the time to increase a higher debt load with high interest rates. o�`lyp,I,IoR.,I If Elgin is progressive in nature - you need to make sure the municipalities are - Bayham doesn't even have social media - what a joke . Grants ( lower tax incentives) need to support all not for profits and charities that own property - not just commercially zoned properties . Institutionally zoned properties aren't elgibible for elgincentives and that's not fair - policy needs changing please. Port burwell county roads are Terrible but you rip up a perfectly good road - plank - in Straffordville - why ? There are some really soft shoulders on plank road coming out of black ridge hill going south Policing on county roads isn't enough - no ride programs etc o�`ly �,I,IoR.,I Please implement DC's and give relief to taxpayer by making growth pay for growth. We all trust you people to do the right thing and not cater to the noisy groups that would try to have you cater to their self serving agendas causing undue pressure on the hardworking taxpayers of elgin co You need a survey to tell you how to do your job? ,,p'Io�`lyp,I,IoR.,I Seriously address the police chief and hold him accountable before ag(: li6 ol" 56 Page 101 of 102 he completely destroys the morale of the police. �nOnyrnOuG Need 0ucut back unall the high paying office jobs, less "studiea that cost aomuch. Less money unaffordable housing and free handouts. How about maintaining our roads and equipment. Not allowing fire chiefs touse the company vehicle todrive touttawafor afuneral, m using theirs vehicle for personal use. Attending swap meets una weekend. �nOnyrnOuG Merging / reducing firoha||a �nonyrnouo Please take adopt the climate auanimportant aspect 0uconsider in our future! �nOnyrnOuG -- ? indoor pum|/r*ocenter �nOnyrnOuG Fiscal restraints. Find efficiencies. yrnmuo Bomuch more prudent with spending taxes are too high already �nonyrnouo Spend now 0uplan for the future demographic needs, ie: infrastructure Anonymous | believe that reducing taxes would bebeneficial for everyone, auit would allow more individuals 0uhave control over their own finances. |norder 0uachieve this, | suggest eliminating any unnecessary government services. Currently, the tax burden iaquite significant, which iawhy | believe that tax cuts would beinthe best interests u( the public. Anonymous Concentrate uneconomic development encourage industrial mfg. job based industry and the educational support for this re- more appnmUahipprograms sponsored and supported a1local post secondary education facilities further 0uthmfg. job comment not just labour jobs but also high tech mbmUoa/compu$arizedau0uma1iun jobs juba8ubs/jubaits jobs that support our future and our lifestyle Page 102 of 102