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Regional staff suggesting increase to water, wastewater rates continued from p.1 would be an increase of $4 and $2 for police for a total of $6 per $100,000 of assessment and if you consider a home with a current value assessment of $400,000, that would be a $24 increase in 2017." The 2017 budget directions, which provides calculated steps towards keeping the Region's tax increase at or below the rate of inflation, was officially given the green light by Halton Regional council Wednesday (July 13). The estimates don't include education and municipal taxes. "Over the past 10 years, our tax rate has been relatively close to zero and our tax rate increase has been below the rate of inflation," Scinocca said. "We've done this all by maintaining levels of service and council's improvement in investments in high priority areas." The directions have been prepared in support of Halton Region's Strategic Action Plan, Scinocca continued, detailing council's goal of maintaining a strong financial position. "Maintaining a AAA credit rating provides us the best possible capital financing rate and minimizes long-term infrastructure financing costs," he said. Growth, Scinocca added, is also a key driver in the budget. "Growth is an integral part. The region has grown significantly," he said. "The provincial growth plan has imposed financial challenges in Halton, but council has committed to support the planned growth while maintaining the 5 | Friday, July 15, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Growth is an integral part. The region has grown significantly. The provincial growth plan has imposed financial challenges in Halton, but council has committed to support the planned growth while maintaining the objective to protect Halton Region's tax and rate payer impacts related to financing growth and infrastructure. Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer sumption and unfavourable utility revenues. Regional staff is suggesting an increase to water and wastewater rates by 5.1 per cent for a household with an average consumption rate of 250 cubic metres per year. Ensuring efficiency and accuracy During budget discussions, committee members also discussed the water meter and billing strategy staff is suggesting to ensure the billing of customers continues to be efficient and accurate. The strategy outlines replacing pulse meters while also maintaining and replacing large water Mark Scinocca meters that tend to degrade at a faster rate than smaller meters due to high water flows. It's suggesting an investment of around $3.7 million to replace 13,000 pulse meters and $240,000 to replace the largest and oldest meters in Halton next year. Budget directions lay the groundwork for the 2016 budget and business plan that will be given to councillors for review in the fall. To see a copy of budget directions, visit halton.ca, click download the document in the Agendas, Minutes & Video tab of Regional Council and Administration. objective to protect Halton Region's tax and rate payer impacts related to financing growth and infrastructure." Taking care of the Region's assets and infrastructure is also a priority, he added. Scinocca outlined some pressures the budget will experience when it comes to waste contracts, consideration for Sunday service at the landfill, road maintenance contracts, street lighting costs, public health funding not keeping up with program costs and increased capital financing for the continued implementation of the Burlington Beach master plan, among other pressures. He also introduced the water and wastewater rate revenue review and its proposed implementation, which was sparked by the 2016 budget that has identified issues of declining water con- 2 for 1 Twilight Special After 4:30pm (July/Aug) (not valid Wednesdays & Fridays) 2 regular priced twilight green fees for the price of 1 (must be used on day of purchase not valid with any other discounts or promotions) Power Carts not included Book Online @ Lowvillegolf.com Britannia Road, 905.335.6181 2662 Burlington Established in 1997 Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School register for september 2016 Thinking of Retiring... Someday? Let's Talk. Visit our website to sign up for a free consultation. Peter Watson MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI Jennifer Watson B.A. 220 Randall Street, Downtown Oakville 905-842-2100 peterwatsoninvestments.com Lower elementary program grades 1, 2, and 3 · Low teacher to student ratio · Enriched individualized curriculum · Enhanced French language instruction · Comprehensive Music and Physical Education programs Celebrating 20 years of excellence! A small school environment where all children thrive! 2379 trAfALgAr roAD, UNit 6 OAKVILLE · 905.257.5955 www.trms.ca admin@trms.ca