Hastings County’s Planning Committee is recommending council approve the hiring of 2 new full-time planners and one clerk as part of a new way of doing business with its 14 member municipalities.
The demand for planning services such as official plan and zoning amendments and special area studies has increased dramatically since before the pandemic and county planners say the new hires are needed to provide timely service to both municipalities and developers.
The plan also includes setting up two satellite offices in Bancroft and Madoc.
The cost of the changes is estimated to be $350,000 in the first year with that total expected to be recovered by new planning fees.
Each municipality will have its own level of service agreement with the Hastings County planning department and maintain final decision-making control over any new development.
