After a single round of revisions, the UCPR council has approved its budget for 2024.  

During the regular meeting on November 22, the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) has approved its yearly budget for 2024. The budget comes up to a total of $180,304,300 and calls for a residential tax increase of 4.25 per cent. The 2024 tax rates will only be approved once property assessments, regulations, and calculations are available, estimated to be in March or April 2024. 

Originally, the tax increase was set at 1.81 percent. However, several alterations were made during the budget meeting on November 8: the UCPR’s discretionary funds were increased by $150,000, the Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network’s grant was reduced by $5,000 as per its request, and two new grants were added. Council allotted $50,000 to Hawkesbury General Hospital for various expenses and $43,000 towards Regroupement Autisme Prescott-Russell to cover its budget deficit. 

Council also directed $800,000 to the PR Residence construction project from the working capital reserve and added a further $881,400 to the county’s share of the funding to reduce the future debt.