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Regional taxes likely to go up 1.9 per cent in 2016 by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Thursday, November 19, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Halton residents could see a tax hike of 1.9 per cent on the regional portion of their property tax bill to maintain and improve regional service levels for 2016. The proposed increase, to be discussed at standing committee meetings Dec. 1-3, translates into a $16 increase for a home worth $400,000. Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer Mark Scinocca told Regional council last week (Nov. 12) one of the 2016 Budget and Business Plan's key priorities was keeping the Region's tax rate increases at, or below, the rate of inflation. Does not include police budget hike The proposed increase does not include a 1.9 per cent tax hike in the Halton police budget or municipal and education taxes. "The budget continues to maintain service levels in the Region's core service areas and ensures delivery of the priorities identified by Regional council through the Strategic Action Plan," said Scinocca. The Strategic Action Plan, which outlines council's goals for 2015-2018, focuses on keeping a strong financial position (the Region has maintained a AAA rating for the The budget continues to maintain service levels in the Region's core service areas and ensures delivery of the priorities identified by Regional council through the Strategic Action Plan. Commissioner of Finance/Treasurer, Halton Region are expected to receive $2 million so the service can hire an additional five to six paramedics, purchase power stretchers and enhance its offloading nurse program. Other budget highlights Other budget highlights include a $719,000 subsidy reduction for public health, in part because of some program uploads to the Province; $550,000 for a new internship and apprenticeship program; $200,000 for a lowincome seniors tax deferral program; and, $50,000 for a heritage tax rebate program. Mark Scinocca past 24 years), supporting planned growth while maintaining the objective of protecting residents from the impacts related to growth and taking care of the Region's assets and infrastructure, he added. Projected utility rate increases per household The budget plan projects increases to utility rates by five per cent for a household with an average consumption rate of 250 cubic metres per year. An additional $250,000 has been earmarked for affordable housing and the comprehensive housing strategy, while the Oakville Seniors Citizens Residence could see a one-time $2.4 million payment for repairs and maintenance of the facility. The Halton Region Community Investment Fund is anticipated to grow to $1.4 million, up from $828,000, and paramedic services The budget plan also makes investments in the Burlington Beach Master Plan, a basement flooding mitigation strategy, the active transportation plan and the Paramedics Master Plan. Councillors have been given a budget package to review with deliberations at each of the standing committees continuing Dec. 1-3. Council will make a decision on the budget Dec. 16. A copy of the 2016 budget plan will be available at www.halton.ca, today (Thursday, Nov. 17). Reveal Your Natural Beauty! Exfoliating Peel Treatment These peels are formulated with alpha hydroxy acids and natural active ingredients that gently remove dead skin cells and uncover a softer, revitalized complexion without the downtime. 75 minutes $ 120 Plus: (Value $20) Our eye treatment will brighten, hydrate and minimize the appearance of fine lines, leaving you with a healthy, nourished look. Complimentary Eye Treatment prettyinpinkspa.com Book online at 905.842.7465 | 1011 Upper Middle Road East INJURED? I Can Help! concept YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca PLATINUM lighting Take 24 monThs To pay (no down payment and no interest) LightbuLbs For LiFe Free InstallatIon 243 Speers Road 905.849.liTe(5483) Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law Oakville 5980 Mclaughlin Rd. #3 near Britannia 905.712.4548 MiSSiSSauga Sale 1515 n. Service Road 905.331.7444 BuRlingTOn www.conceptlighting.ca