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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, July 1, 2016 | 10 Consistency counts with Adams as budget chair by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff Oakville's Ward 6 Town and Regional Councillor Tom Adams will serve as the 2017 Budget Committee Chair, making this the ninth year he will have held the budget chair position. The 2017 Budget Committee voted to elect Adams during a Monday meeting. He said he would work to meet council's direction of keeping any property tax increases in line with inflation when combined with the Regional and education components. "I'm glad to represent council again," said Adams. "We've got a big year of consultations ahead as we normally do. We are at the very beginning stages, so there will be lots of opportunities for people to provide their input on various matters that are before council for the 2017 budget, including both the operating and the capital budgets." Adams said the budget documents would be unveiled in November and noted infrastructure renewal programs would continue to be an important part. Residents shouldn't expect too many surprises from this budget with Adams noting it would mainly be continuing to fund work already started. "We will be going through a number of master plan update programs over the next little Council hasn't made any substantial changes in its direction, so I don't think one should contemplate that you need to make substantial changes in terms of the leadership that's been provided. I continue to provide that ongoing guidance in working with both the community and council to make sure people are happy with what is going on. Ward 6 Councillor Tom Adams 2016 Budget Chair Ward 6 Councillor Tom Adams while, so this budget is intended to be, I'll call it, a `holding pattern budget' with respect to the capital budget," said Adams. "So, we are not going to be swinging items in and out dramatically this year because we'll be looking to the master plans that we have coming forward to give council direction in terms of any tweaks or changes that might be required for future years in our capital forecasts. Last year, we approved at 10-year capital program and will generally be speaking following that program." When asked about his ninth selection as budget chair, Adams noted council has appreciated the ongoing continuity provided. He also said he believes the consistency has also been good for the community's understanding of the budget process. "Council hasn't made any substantial changes in its direction, so I don't think one should contemplate that you need to make substantial changes in terms of the leadership that's been provided," said Adams. "I continue to provide that ongoing guidance in working with both the community and council to make sure people are happy with what is going on." Adams was first elected to council in 2003. Prior to that, he was a senior risk manager with more than eight years of business experience with BMO Financial Group where he worked in the field of corporate governance. He has a master's degree in business administration in finance from McMaster University and an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the University of Ottawa. He also spent time doing engineering research work in the fields of alternative fuels and energy. "Keeping our finances stable, secure, and healthy is a key part of our vision to make Oakville the most livable town in Canada," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton in a press release. "Councillor Adams has a fantastic track record as budget chair and I am confident that his experience will help us once again meet our goal of keeping tax increases in line with inflation." Budget presentations and public delegations will take place in November. The final staff recommended budget will be presented to council on Nov. 15 with Budget Committee recommendations finalized on Dec. 6. Council approval of the operating and capital budgets is set for Dec. 12. For more information, visit the 2017 Budget page at www.oakville.ca. Winner of the 2015 Readers Selection Awards Halton Hearing Centre is Independently Owned & Operated Serving Burlington and Oakville since 1971 Creating a new garden... Call the professionals Offering Canada Day FREE Hearing Tests for New Adult Patients! Melissa McFadden, B.Sc., M.Sc., Reg. CASLPO CHIEF AUDIOLOGIST & OWNER Happy Or caring for an old one? 905-849-7560 B4-1148 Winston Churchill Blvd. Oakville, ON www.haltonhearing.com · admin@haltonhearing.com 905-335-0752 greenthumb.ca