DTSSAB Passes 2025 Budget
/On January 22, 2025, the District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) approved its 2025 budget, totaling $47.1 million, including a municipal share of $7.58 million. This represents a 5.42% increase in municipal apportionment compared to 2024. To help mitigate this increase, the Board approved a $350,000 withdrawal from the working fund reserve, down from $463,000 in 2024.
In 2024, the DTSSAB returned $800,000 to municipalities from the working fund reserve. This decision was made as part of a planned approach to align the reserve with provincial regulations and established guidelines while providing financial support to municipalities. Together with the $350,000 withdrawal in 2025, the total municipal support from the working fund reserve over the two years is $1.61 million. These decisions reflect the Board's proactive fiscal oversight in balancing the DTSSAB's service delivery with the needs of our municipal partners.
Like many organizations and municipalities across the district, the DTSSAB is responding to financial pressures in 2025. Key factors contributing to the increased municipal share include:
Provincial funding changes: New provincial funding models in Children’s Services and Ontario Works have shifted more administrative costs to municipalities.
Rising costs: Inflation, increasing costs for goods and services and major capital investments like ambulance replacements continue to pressure budgets.
DTSSAB Board Chair, Derek Mundle states, “The approval of the 2025 budget reflects the Board’s commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship while ensuring the delivery of essential services such as Housing Services, Ontario Works, Children’s Services, Emergency Medical Services, and Community Paramedicine. Despite significant financial pressures, including rising costs and provincial funding changes, we have taken a balanced approach to support our municipal partners while maintaining the quality and accessibility of the services our residents depend on. By strategically utilizing our working fund reserve, we continue to uphold our mandate and provide stability during challenging times. The Board appreciates the DTSSAB team's commitment to its mission of delivering programs and services through effective use of available resources in the best interest of the individuals they support.”
About DTSSAB
The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) is a service system manager established under the District Social Services Administration Boards Act. The DTSSAB is responsible for delivering key social services on behalf of the province and oversees the administration and coordination of essential programs, including Housing Services, Ontario Works, Children’s Services, Emergency Medical Services, and Community Paramedicine.
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