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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, July 25, 2012 · 4 Regional tax hike won't exceed two per cent `Council in keeping with being prudent/conservative ensures Halton's growth pays for itself" By Julia Le METROLAND MEDIA WEST A report by Regional staff recommending that tax rate increases don't exceed the rate of inflation in Halton has been approved by regional council. The report, released by Halton Region staff and presented at a budget review meeting earlier this month, also details the 2013 budget guidelines for the tax and rate supported budgets. The guidelines, approved by council July 11, will provide direction to regional staff in preparing the appropriate budgets to deliver regional services. The report bears in mind council's goals of preparing the 2012-13 budgets with a tax rate increase at or below the rate of inflation and assessing the impact of various provincial legislative, policy and program changes. It also determines and incorporates the financial impacts of the transportation master plan, solid waste management strategy, children's services plan and the EMS master plan. Regional Treasurer Jane MacCaskill said the tax budget will incorporate the recently lowered inflation rate of two per cent from the projected 2.5 per cent that was forecasted by the Bank of Canada. She said Halton Region staff will be preparing the budget so that it will not exceed the two per cent inflation rate. The original predicted tax increase for the 2013 regional programs saw a tax increase of up to 2.6 per cent from the 2012 budget and business plan. Regional Financial Planning and Budgets Director Mark Scinocca told council during the July 9 budget review committee meeting they're keeping with being prudent and conservative to ensure the growth of the region pays for itself. "I think this approach serves us well in the event that the Province does have some impact (and) creates a negative impact on us because we will not be at risk to the same extent as many of the other growth communities," he said. "This budget direction report takes into account that things are a bit fluid, but at the same point I think assuming what we know today, we can come in and recommend a budget which is at or below inflation for this year." Provincial funding accounts for 20 per cent or $126.9 million of the Region's revenues in the 2012 tax supported budget. There may be funding changes that the Region may face since, for some programs, the Province has yet to release details on what will and will not be doled out. The report also highlights a rate-supported budget that sees that the rate of the regional water and wastewater systems increase doesn't exceed the forecasted 5.3 per cent. The 5.3 per cent increase takes into account a 2.8 per cent operating budget increase and a 2.5 per cent increase to fund the state-of-good repair capital infrastructure program. MacCaskill said the main drivers for the hike will be overall water consumption and ensuring that the infrastructure is maintained appropriately. She said the average household consumption in Halton is going down. Regional Councillor and Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said the report illustrates financial responsibility and a commitment to meeting the priorities of the Citizens' Priorities 2011-14 Action Plan. He added that this is the best time for residents to talk to members of council and express their expectations for next year's budget both at the regional and local levels. Based on the approved report, the 2013 budget and business plan will be prepared over the next few months. An overview of the budget book, which will be printed in mid-November, will be given to members of council at a budget information session November 14. The standing committees will review the budgets during the week of Nov. 26 and the Budget Review Committee is slated to meet on Dec. 10. Public input sought on Official Plan Providing input on municipal matters just got easier for Halton residents. The Region has launched new pages on its web site -- www.halton.ca.ropa -- to encourage dialogue on a series of draft guidelines designed to assist in the implementation of the Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 38 (ROPA 38). As they are developed through the balance of this year, the draft guidelines will be posted on the site, which includes a feedback forum. The ROPA process began in 2006 as a response to provincial requirements set out in policy documents such as the Places to 7 DAYS A WEEK NOW OPEN Grow Plan, the Greenbelt Plan and the Provincial Policy Statement, and was adopted unanimously by Halton Council in 2009. The draft guidelines are grouped into five themes: · agricultural · health-based · infrastructure · resource · consultant Regional staff will take all comments into consideration when finalizing the guidelines, and this fall will forward a report to the Region's Inter-Municipal Liaison Committee with the final draft guidelines. Follow Oakville Beaver staff on Twitter @OakvilleBeaver or @NewsHooked @DavidLea6 @DominikKurek @Beaversports or @Halton_Photog SAVE UP TO $2700 ON NEW FURNACE & AIR CONDITIONER $700 OFF HI-EFFICIENCY CENTRAL AIR BIGGEST SALE EVER! WAS $ @1 1AM FOR LUNCH,AMAZING WEEKEND BRUNCH, DINNER, COCKTAILS, AND OUR BEAUTIFUL 5000 SQ.FT. IVY GARDEN PATIO! 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