Wellington County's new warden for the 2017-2018 term is Dennis Lever from the Township of Puslinch.
He was acclaimed at the inaugural meeting on Friday.
Lever says addressing the infrastructure deficit is a priority for the 2017-2018 term.
Dennis Lever was acclaimed to the warden's chair at today's inaugural meeting.
He says despite a decrease in Ontario Municipal Partnership funding, he expects the county to be able to get the work done.
"About 90% of our current proposed tax increase is dedicated to roads and bridges.... that need work," says Lever. "We're deemed the safest community in Canada, and I want it to stay that way."
A preliminary draft of the budget includes a 3.8% spending increase, but lever expects council will be able to whittle that down in the new year while ensuring priority spending.
Lever has represented Puslinch since 2010, and has served on the Information, heritage and seniors committees. He is the past chair of the county's Administration, Finance and Human Resources Committee.
He has also served on the Aggregate Resources Board , the Board of Health, and Guelph Hospital Board.
He says he is honoured to continue the impressive work of county council, while focusing on key issues.
