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continued from p.1 "We delivered on our promise to keep the total property tax increase in line with inflation. Oakville's fiscal strength will ensure the long-term sustainability of our community, our first-class facilities, as well as our outstanding programs and services." Staff is recommending a $264.1-million operating budget and a $53.1-million capital budget. Among the items driving the budget is the hiring of 16 firefighters to staff Fire Station 9, to be temporarily housed at the North Operation Depot being built at 3250 Neyagawa Blvd. Boosting care-A-van service, future repairs and replacement of facilities and infrastructure, and operating costs of the North Operation Depot and Fire Station 9 are also behind the increase. Residents invited to be part of Town's budget process Some of the larger capital projects slated for 2014 include $6.3 million for the Roads, Resurfacing & Preservation Program; $3.6 million for Emerald Ash Borer Management Program; $2.9 million for Oakville Transit replacement buses; $2.8 million for expansion of North Service Road at Ford Drive; and $2.3 million for a future north Oakville fire station property. Sully said the proposed 2014 tax levy would amount to $157.9 million and said the money goes to four main areas -- infrastructure renewal, emergency services, roads and Oakville Transit. "This recommended budget keeps the total property tax increase in line with inflation, invests in infrastructure renewal while also reducing debt and increasing reserves. The budget also ensures residents continue to receive the Freshco, Food Basics, Metro, Curry's Art Store, Holland Park Garden, Halton Furniture, M&M Meats, Mississauga Flooring Solutions, Active Green & Ross, Salvation Army Recycling, Rabba, Real Estate, Tasty Food House, United Postal Service, Rona Home and Garden, Corbeil, Storybook Tree Services, Real Canadian Superstore, Dental Destination, Canada Computers, Samko Sales, Nancy Festarini, Royal LePage, JYSK Bed & Bath, Starsky Fine Foods, 2001 Audio Video, Hudson's Bay Co., Terra Greenhouses, Ren's Feed & Supply, Michael-Angelo's, National Sports, No Frills, Home Outfitters, Fortino's, Bouclair, Home Depot, Centennial Windows, Target, Sheridan Nurseries, Shoppers Drug Mart, XS Cargo, Staples, Walmart, Canadian Tire, Sport Cehk, The Brick, Pharmasave, Rexall, Reliance, Mark's, Sears, Toys R Us, Bowring, Solutions, Drug Trading, Michael's, Best Buy, Future Shop, Sobeys 3 | Thursday, November 21, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com programs and services they value most," said veteran budget committee chair Councillor Tom Adams. "I encourage residents to review the budget documents and provide feedback. These will be your tax dollars at work." The budget committee meets throughout November and December and residents are urged to get involved. There will be departmental budget presentations tomorrow (Thursday) at 1:30 p.m. and Friday at 9:30 a.m., as required. A budget open house is set for Saturday (Nov. 23) at 10 a.m. at Iroquois Ridge Community Centre and Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at Woodside Library. Public delegations can present to the budget committee on Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 9:30 a.m. Budget committee deliberations will take place Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. Final approval by council is expected Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. All submissions whether in person, writing, email or social media, will be considered as part of the deliberations. The budget committee meetings are public and held at Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Rd. They will also be streamed live at TownTV .ca. To view the 2014 budget documents, visit www. oakville.ca or email budget@oakville.ca. inside today's Spotlight Sports Beaver www.insideHALTON.com 6 23 Health Classified 22 27 *All flyers not necessarily delivered to all homes For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online at www.oakvillebeaver.com Reception and dinner: 5:45pm Tickets: $225 - please contact: 905-845-8205 or events@oakvilleliberal.ca LPC.ca/dec2