Lambton County council will consider a proposed property tax increase of 1.75% when it sits down to set the budget on March 6.
The draft package calls for spending of $216.5 million this year, with $76.7 million of it raised through property taxes.
The services provided by the county include public health, long-term care homes, social and cultural services, and the county court house.
The draft budget protects core services and programs as Ontario reviews its level of municipal spending, said Warden Bill Weber.
"County Council has been given a responsible starting point from which to work."