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Carr promises existing taxpayers won't pay growth costs Continued from page 6 3 · Friday, July 16, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com But Carr said if the provincial government doesn't contribute as a funding partner with Halton, its leaders have only three alternatives. "They can fund it from existing (local) taxpayers, the developers and province can pay it, or they can decide not to grow," he said. "But it's off the table that new growth will be paid for by existing taxpayers." Regional council directed staff to prepare next year's budget (which excludes police costs) based on a 3.1 per cent tax and provide options for a zero per cent increase. That would match the Region's 2010 average tax hike. (Halton's four-year average was 0.4 per cent). The chair believes Halton can continue to lead in keeping taxes down. "We have to make sure we protect taxpayers," said Carr. "People are fearing for their jobs and there are seniors on fixed income." Carr said the `no growth' warning is an extension of the Fairness for Halton campaign, unanimously backed by Regional council and all municipal councils four "It's off the table that new growth will be paid for by existing taxpayers." Gary Carr, Halton Regional Chair years ago. That campaign returned $60 million in GTA pooling funding to Halton's coffers, he noted. Getting provincial help might be tougher now, Carr admitted. "This time, they have a massive deficit." A recent budget review report noted the province plans to cut Halton's EMS (land ambulance services) funding retroactive to 2008, which could cost $1 million altogether. "Now they're cutting back and forcing more property taxes to pay for services and we don't believe it's fair," said Carr. He is pleased that development charges now are covering more growth costs ­ such as 82 per cent of Halton's roads budget. "We've almost tripled our roads budget (since 2005)," said Carr, who added, "We're insisting very strongly that the province and developers pay the cost of growth." A staff budget review noted estimates were based on a 2.25 per cent assessment of growth, which might be optimistic due to a slowdown in non-residential growth. Another concern was a forecast that water and wastewater fees could increase by 7.2 per cent in 2011 and double over the next decade. Burlington Councillor Jack Dennison said these fee hikes could hurt Halton's competitiveness and he recommended staff provide other options. "We have to look more aggressively at bringing those rates down," said the Burlington councillor. Oakville councillor Tom Adams and other regional councillors approved his amendment despite concerns it came at the last minute. The Oakville councillor said the good service levels for roads and water must be maintained. "I ask that we not push today's costs into the future," said Adams. "That's not a good position to put the Region or future taxpayers in." Halton's credit rating is AAA-1 Halton is once again tops -- at least when it comes to credit rating. For the 21st consecutive year, the region has received the highest rating possible -- AAA. This came following the annual review by Standard and Poor's Rating Services (S&P). The rating is based on a variety of factors, including fiscal management, debt levels, reserve fund balances, capital funding requirements, long-range planning and economic outlook. S&P's review focused on Halton's strong financial position, including appropriate liquidity and financial flexibility. Over the last four years, the combined tax increase for Regional programs and services has been less than one-half of a percent -- one of the lowest among municipalities in Canada. Furthermore, the 2010 budget delivered the second largest capital infrastructure investment program in the Region's 36-year history, with an investment of $394.7 million. This will be used to upgrade, expand and rehabilitate Halton's infrastructure, including $109.3 million for transportation, $252.8 million for water and wastewater and $1.5 million for waste management. "Halton Region's high international credit rating is excellent news for our residents because it ensures that the Region and our local municipalities are able to borrow money at the best possible financing rates in the capital markets, minimizing the longer term costs of infrastructure capital," said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. "The Region's lower costs can then be passed on to the taxpayer, while also ensuring we are investing in the services our residents have told us are important to them, like infrastructure." LIGHTING FROM · CORBETT · TROY · HUDSON VALLEY · STONEGATE DESIGN · FINE ART AND MUCH MORE CONCEPT LIGHTING GALLERIES FEATURING OAKVILLE'S FINEST LIGHTING STORE 243 Speers Road · Beween Kerr & Dorval ·Oakvill, ON 905.849.LITE (5483) ELEGANT www.conceptlighting.ca DISTINCTIVE