Region to finalize 2014 budget today
Posted Jan 15, 2014 05:04:36 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Regional Councillors are hoping to pare down a proposed 2.8 per cent tax increase today as they finalize the 2014 budget.
Members are hoping to set the property tax increase to below two per cent — but with an $8 million shortfall, staff have recommended $5.5 million in service cuts and $2.5 million in administrative efficiencies.
A two per cent property tax increase would mean an additional $34 per year for the average household.
The biggest parts of our billion dollar budget includes police, roads, transportation, transit and social services. That’s followed by housing, child care and public health programs.
About a year and a half ago, the province reduced some of the money for discretionary benefits that is used to help the less fortunate.
Regional Chair, Ken Seiling says the region filled in some of the gaps last year — and are trying to find money this year to continue with the programs.
Money for the poor and light rail transit concerns were front and centre as residents voiced their concerns at a public input meeting last week.
On the bright side, the province has invested an additional $2.5 million in children’s services.
Also, revenue from the landfill sites have picked up, which brings additional money back into the budget.
