From My Bottom Step

The 2009 Draft Budget was tabled at the Board of Control meeting held this past Wednesday 2008/12/10. Here’s a first, quick look at what’s happening…

Water Services

Council intends to adopt the 2009 Water Budget together with consideration of by-laws to amend the Water Rates and Charges By-law at the Special Council Meeting to be held on Thursday, February 12, 2009 commencing at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

In order to achieve an annualized increase of 8% in all rates and charges related to the provision of water services, it is proposed that all rates and charges be increased by 9.6% effective 2009/03/01.

Wastewater Service and Treatment Service

Council intends to adopt the 2009 Wastewater Budget together with consideration of by-laws to amend the Sewer Rates and Charges By-law at the Special Council Meeting to be held on Thursday, February 12, 2009 commencing at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

In order to achieve an annualized increase of 9% for all rates and charges related to the provision of wastewater and treatment services (except for private drain connection charges which will not change as part of the budget process; a review of the private drain connection charges is currently underway for which a separate public participation meeting will be held if changes are proposed), it is proposed that the rates and charges for wastewater and treatment services be increased by 10.8% effective March 1, 2009.

Property Taxes

Council intends to adopt the 2009 Property Tax Supported Budget at the Council Meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 commencing at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

The 2009 Property Tax Supported Budget includes various changes to Fees and Charges including Waste Management Fees and Charges which can be viewed in the budget documents.

Examining Budget Documents

The 2009 Property Tax Supported Budget, the 2009 Water Budget and the 2009 Wastewater and Treatment Budget may be viewed at the various branches of the public library or in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall or on the City’s website.

Public Input

Any person wishing to make a representation with respect to any item pertaining to the 2009 Property Tax Supported Budget, the 2009 Water Budget and the 2009 Wastewater Budget (including the proposed changes to the fees and charges) may do so at the public participation meetings before the Board of Control on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 300 Dufferin Avenue. If you wish to register to make a presentation at one of these sessions, call Carol Geraghty at 519-661-2500 x4599.