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A batch of mosquitoes caught in Burlington have tested positive for West Nile vi- rus. It's the first set to exhibit signs of the virus this year, and Halton Region public health is warning residents to protect themselves against bites from the bloodsucking insects. "Halton is committed to be- ing safe and healthy and re- ducing West Nile virus in our communities through both education and preventative programs like larviciding," said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region medical officer of health. "Until the hard frosts of fall set in, Halton resi- dents should continue to pro- tect themselves against mos- quito bites and remove mos- quito breeding sites." In 2017, Halton reported six cases of West Nile virus in resi- dents, which matched the average of six cases annually from 2012 to 2016. Meghani said that urban areas are more likely to har- bour mosquitoes with West Nile virus, and the types of mosquitoes that harbour the virus breed in shallow water that collects in bird baths, planters and old tires. The region has applied lar- vicide to standing water around the area, including Oakville, Burlington and Hal- ton Hills. The region advises resi- dents to cover up when head- ing outside, wear bug repel- lents like DEET or Icaridin, and protect the home from in- sects using screens over win- dows and doors. For more information, vis- it halton.ca. An expert will speak at a Gravenhurst committee on Feb. 23 about the potential dangers of a chemical used to spray mosquitoes in Muskoka. Metroland file photo WEST NILE VIRUS FOUND IN HALTON MOSQUITOES ALEXANDRA HECK aheck@metroland.com The town of Halton Hills has just started their budget talks for 2019, but already one thing is for certain; taxes will not be going up any more than 3.9 per cent. It's a mandate imposed by the chief administrative offi- cer Brent Marshall, which staff have stuck to for a num- ber of years. At a recent council meet- ing, Andrew Grunda from Watson and Associates pre- sented a report on recom- mendations for long-range financial planning for the town. "What we do know is that there is an increasing de- mand for services," said Grunda, talking about the expected population rise with the expansion of Vision Georgetown. "We also know that there's additional oper- ating costs." Grunda projects that 56 per cent of the capital fund- ing increases needed will be related to growth. The plans factored in a $33,000 cost savings with the elimination of vacancy tax credit, and additional costs of providing in-house Acti- van services. The long-range projec- tions looked at two scenari- os. One was including capi- tal investments of $4 million for the Georgetown Commu- nity Centre, $61,000 for an ac- cessible bus and $33,000 for fire communication servic- es. The other looked at more long range investments in- cluding the IT Strategy Plan, a town hall expansion, Gell- ert Phase 2 and the indoor pools of Georgetown and Ac- ton. Moya Leighton, the town treasurer and manager of accounting gave a presenta- tion on the preliminary 2019 budget, assuring council that the tax levy would not be exceeding 3.9 per cent. "We're still on the lower end of the comparator mu- nicipalities," she said, noting that Halton Hills' tax rate is lower than Caledon, Bramp- ton and Waterloo. The 2019 operating bud- get is expected to be $80.7 million, with $31.5 million offsetting the number with nontax revenue. She noted that the town will be taking into consider- ation the expected loss of gas tax funds, which totals $400,000 to $500,000 annually. Mayor Rick Bonnette took a moment to comment on the fixed limit for the tax levy, saying, "When you have a consistent tax base, it helps investors coming into this community." YOUR TAXES WON'T INCREASE BY ANY MORE THAN 3.9 PER CENT ALEXANDRA HECK aheck@metroland.com NEWS TOWN STARTS PREBUDGET TALKS AND LONG RANGE FINANCIAL PLAN 905-791-5197 • 130 Guelph St, Georgetown NAILS & BEAUTY Thank You Halton Hills for voting us one of the best spas for AESTHETICS! Silver 2018 Halton Hills Come in and get your on!Summer Rentals For EVERY need! • Tools & Lawn Equipment • Skidsteers, Excavators &Trenchers • Light Construction Equipment SALES, SERVICE, RENTAL INC. 334 Guelph Street Georgetown, Ontario L7G 4B5 Tel: 905-877-0157 Fax: 905-877-0159 www.adamsequipment.ca Hours of operation: 7:30 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday; 8 am to 5 pm Saturday; Closed on Sunday