Town eyeing 6.7 per cent budget hike By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Oakville taxpayers could pay an extra $29 per $100,000 of assessment in 2012. That means anyone owning a home worth $400,000 would pay an additional $115 per year. That's if a 6.7 per cent hike in the Town of Oakville's base budget is approved -- and only after that hike is combined with an anticipated lesser increase in Halton Region's budget (1.20 per cent) and no increases to the education rates (0 per cent) -- translating to a total three per cent hike on the 2012 property tax bill. The proposed hike is higher than the 2.79 per cent property tax hike seen last year and the 1.61 per cent hike in 2010. A Monday meeting of the 2012 Budget Committee at Town Hall revealed Oakville is looking at a $239-million operating budget and a $59.9-million capital budget -- with $146 million to be raised through property taxes. Due to capital overlap, Town staff is actually recommending a $282 million combined budget for operating and capital. The committee was reminded the proposed net increase to the Town's base budget is less than the eight per cent hike that was forecast last year. The Town's Chief Administrative Officer Ray Green noted the budget, which council directed in 2011, must keep the total property tax increase in line with inflation. "This budget proposes an overall increase of three per cent to the tax rate to maintain programs and services and to keep the Town's infrastructure in a state of good repair," said Green. "In this budget, we are not proposing to raid our reserves or simply take on debt to keep taxes artificially low," Green continued. "That would simply be short-term gain for long-term pain. We've identified various programs and services where Oakville does provide services at a higher level than perhaps other municipalities, should you wish to target further reductions. "We are also beginning a program of service delivery reviews to ensure we continue to deliver our services as effectively and efficiently as possible." In a presentation to the Budget Committee, Town deputy treasurer and director of financial services Nancy Sully said the challenges driving the tax increase this year include inflationary pressures (3.7 per cent), incurred costs of operating and maintaining new facilities (2 per cent), and the costs associated with infrastructure growth and renewal (2.1 per cent). These costs drive the Town's portion of the tax bill up by 6.7 per cent after assessment growth of 1.15 per cent is considered. "This budget reflects the goals and objectives of council's comprehensive four-year work plan developed to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of our community," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. "This is a responsible budget that focuses on living within our means. This council is committed to controlling growth, resolving our facilities deficit and offering good value for your tax dollar, not cutting the programs and services valued by our taxpayers." The largest Town operating cost is corporate revenues and expenses, which at $41.9 million, is 17.5 per cent of the budget. This is followed by emergency services ($28.7 million), infrastructure maintenance ($27.9 million), recreational services ($25.6 million) and Oakville Transit ($25.1 million). Some of the top capital projects include $10.1 million for the expansion of Oakville's road capacity; $6 million for a new maintenance and operations facility in north Oakville, including an interim fire station; $4.8 million for road rehabilitation; and $1.5 million to battle Oakville's Emerald Ash Borer infestation. "This budget balances the needs of our community while maintaining council's commitment to fiscal responsibility," said Sully. "Our pre-budget consultation shows the public is willing to accept moderate tax increases to maintain valued Town services, but they want to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely. Our program-based, performance-based budgeting will help to demonstrate our accountability for effective and efficient program spend- 3 · Thursday, January 19, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com ing." The Budget Committee will meet throughout January and February. The public is encouraged to get involved: · Commission budget presentations on Jan. 19 and 20 (as required) · Budget open houses today (Wednesday) at Glen Abbey library, Jan. 24 at Woodside library and Jan. 26 at Town Hall · Twitter Budget Question and Answer session on Jan. 30 · Public delegations on Feb. 2 and 7 · Budget deliberations on Feb. 9 and 14 (as required) · Final budget approval by council March 5 The 2012 Budget Committee will consider all submissions, whether in person, writing, e-mail or online as part of its budget deliberations. Residents who wish to appear before the committee as a delegate should register at townclerk@oakville.ca or call 905-815-6015. Written comments for the committee can be sent to Town Clerk, Town of Oakville, 1225 Trafalgar Rd., Oakville, ON L6H 0H3. Alternately, residents can e-mail their comments to budget2012@oakville.ca. All Budget Committee meetings are held at Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Rd., and are open to the public. Meetings will be streamed live at www.TownTV.ca. To view the 2012 Budget Book visit www. oakville.ca Follow Oakville Beaver staff on Twitter @OakvilleBeaver or @Newshooked @DavidLea6 @DominikKurek @BeaverSports or @Halton_Photog January 1 - 31 SHOWROOM SALE up to 40% off on floor models Online Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm WAREHOUSE SALE up to 70% off on clearance items showroom location: 2640 Bristol Circle Oakville. mon-sat 9:30am - 5:30pm Cocoon Furnishings 2640 Bristol Circle, Oakville, Ontario L6H 6Z7 905.829.2780 www.cocoonfurnishings.ca