Media Release: TBDSSAB Approves 2025 Budget
December 20, 2024 –The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) 2025 operating and capital budgets were approved by the Board of Directors at its December 19, 2024 meeting.
The 2025 operating budget totals $132,680,800 and represents an increase of $11,933,700, or 9.9%, from the 2024 approved budget of $120,747,100. Much of the increase for 2025 is related to funding increases through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program (CWELCC). The proposed 2025 Capital Budget totals $3,165,000 and is to be financed from the Housing Portfolio Capital Reserve Fund ($3,010,000), and the Office Building Capital Reserve Fund ($155,000).
Most of the operating budget (70%) is for external transfer payments for individuals, families, and funded agencies. External funding is provided for social services consistent with TBDSSAB’s legislated service requirements through Ontario Works, Child Care and EarlyON programs, Community Housing, and the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP). The remainder will go toward program administration, personnel services, operation of direct-owned properties, and repayment of long-term debts such as mortgages for direct-owned housing properties.
A portion of the operating budget will be financed from a Municipal and Territories Without Municipal Organization (TWOMO) Levy of $26,456,100, or a 4.8% increase relative to 2024. In accordance with the District Social Services Administration Boards Act, this levy apportionment is calculated using weighted assessment.
Quotes
“This year’s budget process has been a great example of how TBDSSAB aims to balance the financial needs of our municipalities with the needs of the people we support. After a long first discussion at the November meeting, and a lot of open-mindedness on both sides, I am happy with what we approved for 2025. I am proud of our Board and grateful to Administration for working together to limit the levy increase without compromising on service.” – Brian Hamilton, Chair, TBDSSAB
“We are grateful to have a Board that sees the big picture and considers the real-world impacts of budget decisions on the people we serve. We look forward to making progress on 2025 objectives knowing we have the support of our Board behind us.” – Ken Ranta, Chief Executive Officer, TBDSSAB