Council happy to get more gas tax cash

Halton Hills council members lauded the recent federal government's decision to extend the gas tax transfer to municipalities by two years to 2013-14. The announcement was made during the unveiling of the federal budget last month. The Gas Tax Fund money will be used for municipal priorities including roads, public transportation and water. Mayor Rick Bonnette said it was welcome news that the federal government was investing in municipalities. He noted that a Price Waterhouse report presented to a recent GTA Mayors and Chairs meeting revealed that 92 per cent of taxes paid in Canada go to federal and provincial governments while only 8 per cent goes to municipalities-- yet towns and cities are responsible for paying for 50 per cent of the infrastructure costs. "So it's very welcome that they're going to continue the program until 2014," he said. Regional Councillor Clark Somerville requested a report from Finance Director Ed DeSousa outlining the impact the Gas Tax Fund decision will have on Town coffers.