Proposed County of Essex budget for 2026 includes 11 new hires

The County of Essex is looking at adding 11 new positions including the hiring of eight new paramedics as part of the 2026 budget.

Director of financial services/treasurer Melissa Ryan told county council at last Wednesday night’s meeting that a three percent increase is expected which translates to about $3.97 million in additional costs.

Besides the paramedics, the county is also looking to add an EMS manager for physical resources, an HR generalist and an HR assistant. Individual departmental requests had asked for a total of 25 new hires, however that was scaled back to 11.

Essex County currently employs 839 full and part-time staff.

The proposed budget, which county council will deliberate Dec. 3, will see expanded duties of nurse practitioners and more recreational programs at the Sun Parlour Home. There could be an increase in funding for phragmites management and drainage maintenance.

In order for that to happen, some cutbacks will have to occur including $482,000 into the asset management plan instead of $1.125 million and road expansion of $1.25 million down from $1.5 million.

Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers wanted to know how council would proceed with the budget approval, either in its entirety or one department at a time.

“It was not unanimous on the feedback so it’s really up to council on the day of deliberations,” said county CAO Sandra Zwiers.

Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey asked what the current rate of inflation is and Ryan responded under two per cent. Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy asked Ryan when the public could see the proposed budget and Ryan responded probably three weeks prior to Dec. 3.

In her presentation to council, Ryan said contractual obligations, program requirements, roadway expansion, asset management plan and EMS services have all been factored in so far.

The county has about $316 million in reserves and carries no doubt. However, that could change by 2028 said Ryan due to roadway expansion.

In her report she wrote, “continued reliance on reserves to balance annual budgets may compromise the county’s ability to respond to future capital and operating pressures.”

Proposed County of Essex budget for 2026 includes 11 new hires

By Fred Groves