Milton Council approves 2018 budget

Milton Council ratified the 2018 budget representing an investment of $73 million in capital projects and $127 million to continue to provide residents with the programs and services they rely on daily through the operating budget.
“This budget aligns with feedback from Milton taxpayers and focuses on the redevelopment and expansion of the transportation network, as well as economic development,” said Linda Leeds, Deputy CAO and Chief Financial Officer. “The 2018 budget preserves existing service levels, plans for growth and begins to address the long-term financing requirements for asset renewal.”

The budget supports the Town’s Strategic Action Plan, Destiny Milton 3, through continued construction of the Sherwood Community Centre and Library, the addition of a new Fire Station, and ongoing planning for the Milton Education Village and Sustainable Halton Lands.

The property tax increase resulting from the 2018 budget is an additional $13.64 per $100,000 of residential assessment.  Combined with estimated changes at the Region and School Board, the average household would see an estimated overall 2.72% change from 2017 property taxes, or $19.63 per $100,000. Milton’s budget accounts for 1.89% of the 2.72% total.

Hospital Levy, Campbellville Route Eliminated in Milton 2018 budget

The budget also eliminated a 1%  levy dedicated to the Milton District Hospital.  Future payments on the debt will come from Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation revenue.  There will be no impact on the Milton Community fund.

It also eliminates Campbellville bus route (Route 62).  The route was a three month pilot project scheduled to end December 31.  Councillor Cindy Lunau argued the rural area is already paying for the service.

“When the urban levy was removed, it raised rural taxes by 28%, and it saved urban area a half a percent.  So basically, we’re looking at the fact the rural area is already paying for this service as it is amalgamated into the one tax base structure,” she said during deliberations.  Lunau estimates the cost at half a percentage point.

In 2016 Milton Council voted to move to a uniform tax rate.  It raised taxes in the rural area by 5.73% or $12.38/100,000, and dropped taxes by .71% or $1.71 on urban residents.

More information on Milton’s 2018 budget is available here.