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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday January 19, 2007 - 5 Oakville budget committee aiming for 3.5% tax increase By Kim Arnott SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER check us out at www.oakvillebeaver.com The chair of Oakville's 2007 budget committee is hoping to limit this year's town tax increase to about 3.5 per cent. Ward 3 councillor Keith Bird, who was selected to head this year's committee at a meeting on Monday morning, said he thinks that would be "a reasonable number," but cautioned that the committee will have to see what it can get for that much money. The budget discussion document, which outlines the town's detailed spending and revenue projections, won't be released until Feb. 8. A series of staff presentations in support of the document will take place from Feb. 14-16. Public delegations and deliberations are scheduled for Feb. 22 (7-10 p.m.), March 1 (9 a.m. ­ 1 p.m.) and March 6 (7:30-10:30 p.m.). The target date for council approval of the 2007 budget is March 26. At the Monday meeting, the Town's director of finance, Patti Elliott-Spencer, took the committee through the budget process and time frames. She also noted that there are budget pressures on the town due to increasing utility costs, construction costs and salary and benefit costs. Elliott-Spencer added that the Town is facing increased demand for recreation, culture and library services, along with some new mandated service requirements and declining assessment growth. Town CAO Ray Green told the budget committee that staff will be bringing forward a "minimalist" budget, which will maintain current service levels, but allow council room to add items that may reflect its own priorities. In addition to the budget process, this spring will also see the Town work through a strategic planning exercise, which will lead to the creation of a 10year capital forecast. Joining Bird, a veteran councillor who is chairing the budget committee for the third time in his tenure as a Town and Regional politician, are Ward 1 Councillor Alan Johnston, Ward 2 Councillor Cathy Duddeck, Ward 4 Councillor Roger Lapworth and Mayor Rob Burton. Along with two brand-new councillors and a new mayor, Bird also noted that the Town CAO is also undertaking his first budget process in his new role. Any Style... Every Room · 35 Models on Display · In House Cabinetry · Lincensed Gas Fitters ONTARIO HEARTH LTD. 3585 Laird Rd., Unit 2 Mississauga Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-4 905.569.2404 www.ontariohearth.com