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10 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday January 30, 2009 www.oakvillebeaver.com Your Halton Connection February `09 www.halton.ca Facing economic challenges, Region's tax increase is one of the lowest in the Province by Regional Chair Gary Carr Key Provisions in the 2009 Budget: Region's responsibility Works caseload increases and pressures on employment programs Waste Management to address growth and enhanced programming Over the past three budget years, Halton Region has consistently had one of the lowest tax increases for Regional programs and services in the province. From 2007-2009, the tax increases have been a combined average of 0.6 per cent. On Wednesday, December 17, 2008, Regional Council unanimously approved the 2009 Budget and Business Plan raising property taxes by 1.7 per cent for Regional Services (excluding Police Services). This increase is one of the lowest among all regions in Ontario. The increase for Halton Regional Police Services this year is 3.4 per cent. That makes the combined property tax impact to Halton residents 2.2 per cent, or $28.61 per typical household having a current value assessment of $300,000. Needless to say, given the current economic climate, the budget preparation process this year was more delicate than usual. Regional Council's deliberations held throughout December were rigorous as Council and staff worked to come up with practical solutions in response to our key budget drivers. The key drivers for this year's budget included maintaining service levels, responding to the community and investing in capital infrastructure. To meet these goals, the budget allows for some needed new programming, such as the creation of a youth psychiatric service, 150 new subsidized child care spaces and enhanced waste diversion programs. It also takes into consideration maintaining and replacing existing infrastructure and delivering new infrastructure to support economic development. Regional Council was pleased with this year's budget review process and feels that the 2009 budget, with a 1.7 per cent increase in Regional property taxes, is a good example of how the Region is making financially prudent decisions and delivering on objectives, while recognizing global economic challenges. For more details about the budget or any of Halton Region's programs and services, visit www.halton.ca. an additional 150 subsidized child care spaces the Region's Waste Management Program to add an electronic a multi-residential high in addition to staff support for community The budget allows for the creation of 150 new subsidized child care spaces Water rates and billing per cent from 2008. A new structure has been introduced that combines both water and wastewater charges into one rate on A water charge based on 100 per cent of water consumption February Meetings at Halton Region Headquarters Feb. 3, 9:30 a.m. Feb. 4, 9:30 a.m. Planning & Public Works Cte Feb. 4, 1:30 p.m. Administration & Finance Cte Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m. Regional Council Feb. 16 Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m. Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. Planning & Public Works Cte Feb. 25, 1:30 p.m. Administration & Finance Cte www.halton.ca. We welcome your feedback. Contact Access Halton at accesshalton@halton.ca This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers.