Regional Council calls for a Regional tax freeze for 2010

Members of Halton Regional Council voted yesterday in support of a motion that calls for a Regional tax freeze for 2010. The motion, which was introduced by Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr, calls on Halton’s CAO and staff to report back to Council with details of the appropriate measures required to implement a tax freeze for the 2010 Regional tax budget.

“Regional Council has shown strong leadership in their support of my motion,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Halton Region residents are facing some real financial challenges in the current economic recession and I believe we have a responsibility to assist our taxpayers during this difficult economic time.”

The motion passed yesterday directs staff to bring forward the Budget Directions Report for Council approval in May instead of July, to allow adequate time for the preparation and implementation of a Regional tax freeze for 2010. Traditionally, Halton Regional staff has developed the Budget Directions Report for Council approval in the summer of the preceding year. The document outlines the parameters and guidelines used to create the upcoming year’s budget. The 2010 Budget Directions Report will be discussed at the May 11th Budget Review Committee and the May 13th Halton Regional Council Meeting.

“Over the past three years, we have had one of the lowest Regional tax increases in the province, resulting in an average increase of 0.6 per cent, while still enhancing service levels,” commented Chair Carr. “I am confident that our 2010 Budget will be able to provide the community with the services and programs they expect, while providing our residents with the relief they need.”

A podcast of yesterday’s Council meeting is available online at www.halton.ca.

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