Regional Council sets 2009 Budget Directions

At its meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2008, Halton Regional Council approved the guidelines for the preparation of the 2009 Budget and Business Plan. Council directed that the guideline for the Tax Budget should not exceed an increase of 2.6 per cent (excluding Police Services).

For a typical homeowner with a property assessed at $300,000, this would mean a property tax increase of approximately $22.13 for Regional services (or $7.38 per $100,000 of assessment).

“The 2009 Budget guidelines give direction to staff on how to deal with various cost pressures including meeting our infrastructure needs, the rising cost of fuel, and changing economic conditions. Halton’s multi-year approach to financial planning will ensure our service levels to residents as well as tax and rate increases are maintained in a predictable manner,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “The most significant challenge to be addressed in the 2009 Budget and Business Plan relates to financing the Region’s infrastructure.”

Regional staff will prepare operating and capital budgets based on input from Regional departments, with the budget being considered by Council in December.

The base budget guideline for the Rate Budget for water and wastewater services is 6.7 per cent, which reflects cost increases in treatment chemicals, other commodities and infrastructure. If approved, the typical homeowner’s annual combined water and wastewater bill would increase by approximately $47.93.

For more information about the 2008 Budget, visit Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca or call 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON or TTY 905-825-9833.

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