I am pleased to announce that Regional Council has approved the 2020 Budget Directions Report. The Report lays the foundation for our next Budget by providing key guidelines to staff, such as maintaining existing service levels for Regional programs with identified pressures, including recent Provincial funding announcements. It also confirms our goal of keeping property tax increases at or below the rate of inflation (2.0 per cent) next year.
We have a proven track record of addressing program pressures, reallocating resources to priority areas and maintaining high-quality programs and services without impacting the budget. While the Report is based on the most up to date information and many details of the Provincial changes remain unknown at this time, we will continue our work to keep taxes low in 2020 and provide the programs and services that so many rely on in Halton.
Focusing on what matters most to the community
Our 2020 Budget will align with the strategic themes, objectives and outcomes detailed in the recently approved 2019–2022 Strategic Business Plan. This Plan will guide the work that we do over the next four years, and is based on a public consultation process to ensure we are focusing on what matters to the community.
Some of next year’s Budget priorities include investment in the following areas:
- Public health
- Paramedic services
- Children’s services
- Employment and social services
- Waste management
- Transportation
- Growth of the water and wastewater system
- Long-Term Water Meter Strategy
- Basement flooding mitigation
- Water and wastewater state-of-good-repair
Backed by a strong financial position
Halton’s exemplary budgetary planning and performance depends on our top credit rating, and I am proud to share that we have now earned this distinction from two international rating agencies this year—Moody’s Investors Service in April and S&P Global Ratings in June! S&P’s recent assessment recognized our strong leadership, fiscal policies and decision-making, and confirmed a stable outlook for our financial future.
Our top credit rating helps us finance major investments by providing Halton and the Local Municipalities with continued access to the best capital financing rates available. As a result, public funds go further when we perform Regional works—such as road, water and wastewater projects—to improve your community. This advantage is an essential part of the strong long-term financial position that helps us keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.
The 2020 Budget and Business Plan Council Meeting is scheduled for December 4, 2019, and the full Budget is scheduled to be considered for approval by Regional Council on December 11, 2019. To read our
2020 Budget Directions Report or learn more about
Regional financial planning, please visit
halton.ca.