Regional Council sets 2010 budget directions, supporting a 0% tax and rate freeze in 2010

Halton Regional Council has approved the Budget Directions Report for the preparation of the 2010 Budget and Business Plan. As requested by Council at its April 1 meeting, the Report outlines the parameters and guidelines that will be used to implement a zero per cent Regional tax and rate freeze in 2010.

“Halton Region residents are facing some real financial challenges in the current economic recession and do not need the added pressure of a tax increase,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “The strategies outlined in the Budget Directions Report are consistent with the Region’s strong and prudent financial planning principles and will ensure residents continue to receive the high quality services they expect.”

To achieve the zero per cent tax freeze, the Budget Directions Report outlines some of the cost-saving strategies the Region could employ, including freezing staff complement at 2008 levels, the temporary financing of some programs including the increased demand for social services through the Region’s Recession and Stabilization Reserves and other cost containment measures.

“Our main priority is to ensure that service levels are maintained in 2010,” said Chair Carr. “This community is growing, there is a demand for service and we intend to maintain those service levels.”

Over the past three years Halton Region has been able to keep taxes low with the combined tax increase of less than one percent while still enhancing programs and services including;

• Enhanced waste diversion programs such as weekly Blue Box and Green Cart Collections, and Take It Back!
• Introduction of Halton’s Air Quality program in 2008
• Landfill Gas Capture Project which reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• Implementation of 211 and 311
• $2 million for additional subsidized child care spaces
• Addition of 15.6 paramedics to Halton EMS since 2007
• An increase in the amount invested in Halton’s roads program from an approved budget of $53 million in 2004 to a budget of $115 million in 2009

With the budget directions approved, Halton Regional staff will spend the next few months preparing the 2010 Budget and Business Plan which will be discussed at the Budget Review Committee on December 14 and at Regional Council on December 16.

“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 financial relief they need.”

A video of the Council meeting is available online at www.halton.ca.

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