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Preliminary budget could boost local taxes 8.1% By Kim Arnott SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER 7 · Wednesday, June 23, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Work on Oakville's 2011 municipal budget is underway, with town staff forecasting taxpayers could see an increase of 8.1 per cent on next year's local taxes. When combined with the anticipated regional and education portions of the tax bill, the net effect would be to reduce the overall property tax increase to 3.9 per cent. At a meeting on Monday afternoon, the Town's budget committee gave staff the okay to begin building next year's budget based on the forecasted increase. A detailed budget to be developed over the coming months is expected to show spending increases due to inflationary costs, salary and benefit increases, and the cost of filling about 16 currently vacant staff jobs. The budget will cover additional operational costs of about $2.5 million to run the new 16 Mile Creek Recreation Complex, the new Transit facility and new parks, roads and equipment. It will also provide increased money for hot mix paving, a capital levy and a levy to cover maintenance of local infrastructure. Anticipated assessment growth of about one per cent will help bring down the cost increase for taxpayers, and no new services or service enhancements will be built into the budget. Ward 6 Councillor Tom Adams, who chairs the Town's Budget committee, said he believes taxpayers will see concrete improvements, including newly-paved roads, for their additional tax dollars. "I think there are very tangible benefits to the money being spent," he said. "I think the overall impact to the residents will be manageable and the value they're getting for their dollars is high." As part of the report presented to the budget committee, town staff included a budget forecast for coming years. Tax increases are predicted to be in the 5.5 per cent range for both 2012 and 2013, assuming continued growth in assessment. A comprehensive 2011 budget will be presented in December to a budget committee chosen from councillors elected in October. Public meetings on the budget will be held in January, with final approval of the budget expected for late January or early February. Adams noted the Town will continue to encourage public involvement in the budget process and will be available to provide information sessions to interested local groups. The 2011 Budget Forecast must receive approval from a meeting of the full Town council on June 28. Your HOME; Your CAR Insurance rates to perk you up Insurance premiums for your home and vehicle are on the rise. Dobson & Toncic delivers value ­ getting you the most competitive rates and connecting you with the perfect insurance partners. We'll further maintain your trust by making sure any claims are handled quickly, personally and easily. Connect with more than trusted professionals, connect with friends. Insurance and financial services ­ the way you want them. Call today for an insurance review and ask for Heather Grant or Jackie Laidman at: 905.829.2907 Dobson & Toncic Insurance Brokers Ltd. 2020 Winston Park Drive, Suite 101, Oakville, ON L6H 6X7 www.dobson-toncic.com · 905.829.2907 NOW OPEN IN OAKVILLE! MENU #1 Includes: June Catering Specials Includes: MENU #2 Lasagna or Cannelloni Lasagna or Cannelloni Mixed Green Salad Bread & Butter $ $ 3-4 servings 7 MISSISSAUGA RD. 95 OFF $ 5 DUNDAS ST. HURONTARIO ST. 75 ** Not to be combined with any other offers. Not to be combined with any other offers. AE L DR. $ Lasagna Not to be combined with any other offers. 95 6-8 servings Now 4 LOCATIONS to serve you better PALMA PASTA 2501 Prince Michael Dr (at Dundas St.) (905) 257-9200 Open 7 Days DUNDAS ST. E. TRAFALGAR RD. HWY 403 ** $ WOLFEDALE RD. MAVIS RD. Large Lasagna Not to be combined with any other offers. SEMENYK CRT. FOLKWAY BURNHAMTHORPE RD. QUEENSWAY QEW Valid until June 30th, 2010 Valid until June 30th, 2010 UPPER MIDDLE RD E DUNDAS ST. CAWTHRA RD. P RINC ERINDALE STATION RD. E MI C H PALMA PASTA (Kitchen) 3475 Semenyk Court (905) 896-9000 Open 5 Days ERIN MILLS PKWY. MISSISSAUGA RD. 403 BURNHAMTHORPE RD. CENTRAL PKWY. WEST PALMA PASTA (Michael-Angelo's Plaza) 4099 Erin Mills Pkwy. (905) 820-7900 Open 7 Days EGLINTON AVE. 403 PALMA PASTA (Queensway Noodles) 2325 Hurontario St. (905) 896-0225 Open 7 Days