County of Frontenac seeks input on budget from Kingston residents
Kingston residents are invited to offer input on the County of Frontenac budgets for Frontenac Paramedics’ land ambulance service and Fairmount Home for the Aged at a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 9:30 a.m.
These shared services are largely funded by Kingston property taxpayers, despite being located outside the City proper. However, Kingston residents make up a large percentage of those who use Frontenac Paramedic services annually.
At their meeting held Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, Kingston City Council voted to approve a motion to have these services listed as separate items on property tax bills beginning in 2021, considering that the City of Kingston has no authority over the costs related to these shared services.
The new motion, moved by Mayor Bryan Paterson, and seconded by Councillor Ryan Boehme, stated:
“That, beginning with the 2021 budget, the Treasurer will no longer include annual budget requests for the shared services provided by the County in the City’s annual budget and related property tax requirement for the City of Kingston, but will instead fund the City’s share of these services as a separate component on the City’s property tax billing, based on an annual requisition received from the County; and
That since the City of Kingston has no decision making authority related to the budget for Land Ambulance Services and Fairmount Home for the Aged
managed by the County, that any resident inquiries received by municipal staff related to the provision of and budgeting for these services be directed by municipal staff to the County administration.”
The motion also addressed outstanding budget requests to the County from the City, with a total of $1,116,736, to be paid for out of working reserve. The budget for the shared services has long been a debated issue between the City and the County.
To read the agenda in full, click here.
Information on the County of Frontenac public meeting format – and how to register to offer input – can be found on the County’s website.
“As neighbours, it’s important that we continue to work together to ensure we maximize taxpayer dollars to provide the highest level of service to residents in our two communities,” Kingston CAO Lanie Hurdle said in a statement.
This fall, Kingston residents will also be invited to learn more about the City’s budget and provide input, the City of Kingston said. Visit GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca for more information.