The cost of fighting COVID-19 is expected to continue to drive Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health’s spending for at least the first six months of 2022, board of health members learned Wednesday.
But with the province promising to reimburse local public health units for nearly all pandemic-related costs that exceed their budget capabilities, WDG Public Health’s 2022 financial blueprint remains relatively unchanged from last year.
Approved at Wednesday’s meeting, Public Health’s $25.7 million 2022 draft budget represents a 0.7 per cent increase over last year.
“Because the COVID-19 costs reside outside of our budget allocation, it is a relatively status quo budget,” David Kingma, director of administrative services told the meeting.
By the end of December, Public Health is projecting it will have spent an additional $13 million on top of its 2021 budget on COVID-19 response. This excess spending will be covered by the province.
The “most notable” elements of Public Health's pandemic response have been mass vaccination clinics and case management, chief financial officer Rob Cunnington said in a report.
"Regrettably, WDGPH's pandemic response efforts will need to continue in 2022," he said, noting vaccination programs continue for people aged 12 and up, and it is anticipated the vaccine will be ready for distribution to the five to 11 age group beginning in mid November. Booster shots will also be required for some groups, Cunnington said.
"In response to these needs and ministry directions, it is anticipated that WDGPH’s funding allocation will again be devoted in large part to the fight against COVID-19 – at least for the first six months of the year," he said.
The majority of Public Health’s funding comes from the province. The City of Guelph, the County of Wellington and the County of Dufferin also cost-share some projects.
The provincial Ministry of Health’s base contribution to the 2022 consolidated budget is expected to remain stable from last year at $16.6 million.
Meanwhile, area municipalities will see their contributions increase by 2 per cent, with the City of Guelph and the County of Wellington expected to chip in $4.2 million and $2.9 million respectively. The County of Dufferin will be responsible for $2 million.
“This amount has been communicated and built into the draft budgets of the three municipalities,” Kingma said.
