News
Council Approves 2009 Budget - Lowest Rate Since Amalgamation
April 02, 2009
MEDIA RELEASE
Council approves 2009 budget - Lowest rate since amalgamation
Hamilton, ON - Hamilton City Council has approved the 2009 budget reducing spending in some areas while maintaining and even enhancing services in others. The budget approval means property taxes will rise 1.7 per cent – about $55 more on the average tax assessment.
Hamilton’s increase is one of the lowest among Ontario’s larger municipalities and is well below the 6.1 per cent figure that had been talked about at the opening of budget deliberations back in January.
"Council has passed a very responsible budget and this year’s increase of 1.7 percent is the lowest among area municipalities," said Mayor Fred Eisenberger. "It’s a very strong signal to the people of Hamilton that we are moving in the right direction as we weather the current economic reality."
Throughout the budget process significant financial pressures associated with transit enhancements, energy costs, pension liabilities, social service demands and infrastructure needs were largely offset through identifying new efficiencies, increasing user fees in some areas, and receiving an additional $16.5 million from the Province of Ontario to help offset the social services funding shortfall. "I would also like to thank the Province for providing the additional bridge funding for social assistance," Eisenberger said.
In addition, Mayor and council froze their salaries . Non-union employees will not receive a cost of living increase
The 2009 City Budget includes improvements to City roads, enhancements for neighbourhood green spaces and repairs our community recreation centers across the City.
Highlights of the 2009 budget include:
· Sport and parkland development in Glanbrook
· A Twin Pad Arena for Flamborough
· Expansion of the Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre in the lower city
· $36M in road work on Hamilton Mountain and funding for the East Mountain Loop Trail
· Rehabilitation of the Ancaster Aquatic Centre and a new fire hall in Ancaster
· Heritage Green Community Sports Park in Stoney Creek.
· Neighbourhood road resurfacing community recreation upgrades in Dundas
· Investing in new affordable housing, and maintaining important programs to help residents in need
· Continuing efforts to enhance the livability of our City and downtown, Council is proceeding with improvements to the Hamilton’s Farmer Market and Central Library.
· Expansion of the transit boundary without a transit fare increase
· Enhancements to Public Health programs and services
Media Contacts:
Sofia Mavumba
Office of the Mayor
Tel: 9055464106
Michael Kirkopoulos
Office of the City Manager
Tel:905.973.2314
Share Your Thoughts
April 02, 2009
MEDIA RELEASE
Council approves 2009 budget - Lowest rate since amalgamation
Hamilton, ON - Hamilton City Council has approved the 2009 budget reducing spending in some areas while maintaining and even enhancing services in others. The budget approval means property taxes will rise 1.7 per cent – about $55 more on the average tax assessment.
Hamilton’s increase is one of the lowest among Ontario’s larger municipalities and is well below the 6.1 per cent figure that had been talked about at the opening of budget deliberations back in January.
"Council has passed a very responsible budget and this year’s increase of 1.7 percent is the lowest among area municipalities," said Mayor Fred Eisenberger. "It’s a very strong signal to the people of Hamilton that we are moving in the right direction as we weather the current economic reality."
Throughout the budget process significant financial pressures associated with transit enhancements, energy costs, pension liabilities, social service demands and infrastructure needs were largely offset through identifying new efficiencies, increasing user fees in some areas, and receiving an additional $16.5 million from the Province of Ontario to help offset the social services funding shortfall. "I would also like to thank the Province for providing the additional bridge funding for social assistance," Eisenberger said.
In addition, Mayor and council froze their salaries . Non-union employees will not receive a cost of living increase
The 2009 City Budget includes improvements to City roads, enhancements for neighbourhood green spaces and repairs our community recreation centers across the City.
Highlights of the 2009 budget include:
· Sport and parkland development in Glanbrook
· A Twin Pad Arena for Flamborough
· Expansion of the Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre in the lower city
· $36M in road work on Hamilton Mountain and funding for the East Mountain Loop Trail
· Rehabilitation of the Ancaster Aquatic Centre and a new fire hall in Ancaster
· Heritage Green Community Sports Park in Stoney Creek.
· Neighbourhood road resurfacing community recreation upgrades in Dundas
· Investing in new affordable housing, and maintaining important programs to help residents in need
· Continuing efforts to enhance the livability of our City and downtown, Council is proceeding with improvements to the Hamilton’s Farmer Market and Central Library.
· Expansion of the transit boundary without a transit fare increase
· Enhancements to Public Health programs and services
Media Contacts:
Sofia Mavumba
Office of the Mayor
Tel: 9055464106
Michael Kirkopoulos
Office of the City Manager
Tel:905.973.2314
Share Your Thoughts
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