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Town releases budget book and calls for public input by Michael Gregory Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Friday, February 20, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville's proposed $459.1-million operating and capital budget for 2015, released to the public on Thursday, recommends a 2.35 per cent increase to the Town's portion of residents' tax bills. The bottom line for the increase, if approved, is an estimated overall 1.53 per cent hike when combined with the approved Regional increase and estimated education tax levy. "The recommended budget is about responsible management of taxpayer dollars," said Mayor Rob Burton. The proposed increase would see residential property taxes increase by $13.35 per $100,000 of assessment -- meaning that a home assessed at $400,000 would see an additional $53.40 in taxes per year or $1.03 per week. "Our goal is to offer valued programs to the community, make strategic investments in infrastructure, while keeping property taxes in line with inflation. This proposed budget delivers on that promise." The Town's Treasurer and Director of Financial Planning Nancy Sully provided an overview of the 515-page document, available through the Town's website, to the Budget Committee Thursday. "This recommended budget keeps the total property tax increase in line with inflation while delivering long-term sustainability of our infrastructure, our facilities, as well as our outstanding programs and services," said Budget Committee Chair and Ward 6 Local and Regional Councillor Tom Adams. Staff is recommending a 1.19 increase for the costs of operating the more than 60 programs and services offered by the Town, such as winter road maintenance, parks and trails, harbours, transit, emergency services, recreation and culture, senior services, and the libraries. In addition, a 1.16 per cent increase is proposed for infrastructure renewal to keep Oakville's 1,900 kilometres of roads and 1.9-million square feet of facilities in good condition. Some of the key capital projects the Town intends to undertake in 2015, if approved, include: $7.1 million for road resurfacing and preservation; $5.3 million for reconstruction of Sixth Line north of Dundas Street; $3.9 for the Town's Emerald Ash Borer Management Program; $2.9 million for the replacement of old Oakville Transit buses; $2 million for improvements to portions of the North Service Road; $1.8 million for Bronte Harbour dredging; $1.8 million for improvements to Speers Road; $1.7 million for west shore landscape rehabilitation at Sixteen Mile Creek; $1.7 million to replace aging roads and works equipment; and $975,000 for the design and preliminary work towards the rehabilitation of Oakville Arena. "I encourage residents to review the budget documents and provide feedback over the coming weeks. These are your tax dollars at work," Adams said. In the upcoming weeks, Oakville residents are being invited to several formal and informal public consultation meetings before the budget is brought before council for deliberation and approval on March 30. The public is encouraged to get involved in the process through the following opportunities: · Budget Open House on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre from 7-8 p.m. · Budget Open House on Tuesday, March 3 at Iroquois Ridge Community Centre from 7-8 p.m. · Commission presentations at Budget Committee meeting on March 5 at 9:30 a.m. and March 9 at 9:30 a.m., if required · Public delegations presented at Budget Committee meeting on March 11 at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. · Budget Committee deliberations on March 23 at 9:30 a.m. · Final Budget approval by Town council on March 30 at 7 p.m. A STEP BEYOND IN CARE Do you have: Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? Call for an appointment 905-632-1414 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com For our clients, their guests and prospective clients Lunch, Learn & Enjoy Avoiding Transition Trauma Downsize, Declutter and Late Life Changes Presented by: Elaine Frost Executive, Entrepreneur, Author Trusted Transitions Tuesday, March 3 · 12-1pm Custom Inground Swimming Pools One Company. One Responsibility. Serving the Halton-Peel Region Holiday Inn: 590 Argus Road, Oakville (Southwest of Trafalgar Road and the QEW) 416-410-2066 · 905-319-7502 RSVP 905.842.2100 ext. 2