2017 budget responds to feedback from public

On December 12, 2016, Milton Council ratified the 2017 budget of $248.2 million, representing an investment of $91.4 million in capital projects, $35.1 million committed to the Milton District Hospital expansion and $121.7 million dedicated to operating expenses. The budget was deliberated by the Committee of the Whole on December 5 and 6.

Key budget investments follow closely with areas identified for service level enhancements from the pre-budget public consultation that took place earlier this year.

These areas include:

• Redevelopment and expansion of roadways including Louis St. Laurent from RR25 to Yates
• Extension of transit services to new areas, evening service hours and pilot program for rural transit
• New weed control programs and the completion of Community Park
• Extended library hours
• Increased roads maintenance including roadside brushing
• Expansion of windrow program into the rural area
• Incremental resources to respond to winter events on newly built roads
• Addition of new firefighters to complete the staffing of a third daytime truck

“The budget reflects the feedback we received from Milton taxpayers, with a focus on maintaining existing services and enhancing our investment in the road network, transit, weed control and fire services” said Linda Leeds, Deputy CAO and Chief Financial Officer.

The tax rate increase of 4.56% in the urban area (11.14% in the rural area), combined with a 1.9% increase by Halton Region and a 0% increase in educational tax rates, will result in an overall tax increase of 2.29% in the urban area (4.32% in the rural area).

For more information on the 2017 budget, visit the town’s website.