Finance and Budget

The Finance Department provides general financial and accounting services for the County, including revenue collection, accounts payable, administrative services, payroll services and internal and external financial reporting.

Annual Budget

The Finance Department is responsible for developing the Operating and Capital Budget in conjunction with Department Heads. Each year Council approves the budget and corresponding tax levy. The budget is composed of the operating budget, the capital budget and reserves. Both Finance and Department heads monitor the budget once it is approved.

We strive to keep property taxes at a reasonable rate while continuing to provide an appropriate level of service.

The annual budget covers all of the County's operational areas: General Government; Protection to Persons and Property; Transportation; Health Services (i.e. Ambulance); Social Services and Housing; Recreation and Culture; Planning and Development.

Asset Management Plan

Asset management planning is essential in order for the County to understand its asset and infrastructure needs while creating an effective plan for long-term sustainability of those needs. The Asset Management Plan (AMP) has a major impact on the annual budget and long-term financial plan. . Well-managed infrastructure fosters prosperity, growth and quality of life for the County's residents, businesses and visitors.

Audited Financial Statements

Financial statements for the County of Haliburton are prepared in accordance with accounting policies prescribed for Ontario municipalities by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and audited annually according to Public Sector Accounting Board standards.

Performance Measurement

The County participates in benchmarking activities, to track performance and identify service areas where improvements may be possible by adopting service delivery practices used successfully in other municipalities.

Benchmarking provides an impartial and robust means of measuring performance and helps determine where outcomes fall short of citizens' expectations, particularly as compared to other municipalities.

When we measure performance, Council and management can set goals to improve outcomes by realigning resources and developing action plans that address shortcomings.

The County continues to develop a Performance Measurement Program.

Property Taxes

The property tax is the largest and most important revenue source for municipalities. Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the property assessment value by the tax ratio and by the tax rate for each property class.

Tax Policies are set at the County level along with the County tax ratios, tax rates and capping by-laws. Property taxes are billed by the individual municipalities. Each municipality sets their own tax rate and then bills for the municipal tax rate, the county tax rate and the education tax rate.

Municipal Property Taxes

You can find out more about your Municipal taxes by visiting your local Municipality's website:

• Township of Algonquin Highlands
• The Municipality of Dysart et al
• The Municipality of Highlands East
• The Township of Minden Hills