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Friday, March 2, 2018 3 Brooklin Town Crier At a Special Council meeting on Feb. 22, Town Council approved the 2018 Budget that is focused on the continued delivery of high quality programs and services to residents, while making key investments that help prepare the Town for future growth. The Town's portion of the overall property tax bill increase is 0.98 per cent, or $48 for the average household based on the average residential assessment value of $401,000. The Town is responsible for collecting property taxes on behalf of the Region of Durham and the School Board. The overall tax increase when combined with the regional and educational portions is 1.98 per cent, or $98 for the average household. Program delivery More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to the continued delivery of programs and services - including fire and emergency services, road and winter maintenance, libraries, recreation programs and parks - as well as supporting the ongoing maintenance of the Town's infrastructure and facilities. Specifically, the 2018 Budget focuses on: building the downtowns as dynamic hubs; improving pedestrian and cycling opportunities and road safety; building walkable, cycling-friendly neighbourhoods; developing a Corporate IT Strategic Plan and Digital Strategy to optimize technology and deliver better customer service; undertaking a community survey to inform operational plans and annual business plans; advancing the creation of a Strategic Plan; investing in economic development opportunities to support the Town's local economy; developing a Public Engagement framework that inspires civic engagement; and, continuing to move forward on Downtown Whitby Action Plan initiatives. The following capital investments are also included within the 2018 Budget: parks ($3.2M), recreation ($3.6M) and active transportation ($3.3M); fire and emergency services ($2.1M); roads ($20.9M) and facilities ($1.6M); communications and technology ($1.5M); and, library ($1.0M). Property taxes are just one of the revenue sources utilized by the Town to support its annual budget. Additional revenue sources include licensing fees, user charges and grants. Other impacts The 2018 Budget also takes into account financial pressures from other levels of government and external impacts beyond the Town's control such as the January 1, 2018, minimum wage increase included in Bill 148 (Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act) and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board premium increases. For more information on the Town's 2018 Budget or to view the 2018 Budget Highlights, visit whitby.ca/budget. For comments or questions about the budget, contact the Corporate Services Department by email at treasury@whitby.ca or by phone at 905.430.4300 x2232. Council Approves 2018 Budget WORSHIP DIRECTORY WORSHIP DIRECTORY Burns Presbyterian Church 765 Myrtle Rd West (just 4 minutes north of Brooklin) 10am Worship, Kids Zone Fun & Nursery Care "Discovering God, Sharing God's Love" 905.655.8509 www.Burnschurch.org St. Thomas' Anglican Church 101 Winchester Road East Sunday Services: 8:30 and 10:30 am Sunday School & Nursery Program (10:30am) Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Communion and Healing Service 905-655-3883 www.stthomasbrooklin.ca Brooklin United Church 19 Cassels Rd. E. Sunday Services at 10:30 am Sunday School & Nursery Care www.brooklinunited.ca 905-655-4141 Come catch the Spirit! Renaissance Baptist Church of Brooklin 40 Vipond Road (Just West Of Library) Sunday Worship & Kids Program 10:30 a.m. 905-655-4554 www.brooklinrbc.ca We're here for Brooklin!