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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, February 3, 2012 · 8 Your Halton Connection Feb. 2012 www.halton.ca Council approves 2012 budget­ 0% tax increase for Regional programs and services by Regional Chair Gary Carr Highlights of the 2012 Budget 2012 budget include: The 2012 budget also focuses on maintaining service levels for the growing community with several new initiatives, including: In December, Halton Regional Council approved the Region's 2012 Budget and Business Plan, delivering a zero per cent tax rate increase for Regional programs and services. This is the third consecutive year the Region has not increased taxes for its services, while maintaining service levels in a growing community. Regional services account for approximately 25 per cent of the residential property tax bill received by Halton residents. The Region's 10-year capital budget totals $3.7 billion. The 2012 capital expenditure program of $689.9 million represents one of the Region's largest, including a $670.9 million investment in infrastructure. This funding will be used to upgrade, expand and rehabilitate Halton's infrastructure, including roads ($159.6 million), water and wastewater plants and distribution systems ($504.8 million), and waste management sites ($6.5 million). The 2012 capital budget identifies the funding requirements for the work identified through the recently approved Transportation and Water/Wastewater Master Plans. Over the next 20 years, new and improved transportation and water/wastewater infrastructure will ensure Halton continues to provide safe and efficient roads and water supply to meet the demands of our community. In addition, the 2012 budget will re-invest in social services programs to support some of Halton's low income residents. The Region will use $4.9 million to provide initiatives, including approximately 200 to 220 rent supplements ($1.6 million), the delivery of between 80 to 100 Halton Region Tax Rates for Regional Programs and Services 2007 to 2012 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 0% 0.2% reduction 0% 1.7% increase 0.6% reduction 0.9% increase new affordable housing units ($1.8 million), and increased supports to low-income residents in the form of food assistance and transit passes ($250,000). Water and Wastewater Rate Budget Regional Council also approved the ratesupported water and wastewater 2012 budget in December, with a combined rate increase of 3.5 per cent for Halton residents and businesses. Water and wastewater services are not paid from property taxes but through users who are billed by the local hydro companies based on the volume of water they consume. To view the 2012 Budget and Business Plan visit www.halton.ca/budget. Halton Region Meeting Schedule Feb. 8, 9:30 a.m. Feb 20 Feb. 21, 9:30 a.m. Feb. 22, 9:30 a.m. Feb. 22, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 29, 9:30 a.m. www.halton.ca To view the 2012 Budget and Business Plan visit www.halton.ca/budget