General Issues Committee approves 2012 budget

Today at its General Issues Committee (GIC), City Council approved the 2012 budget which maintains and enhances services in some areas while reducing spending in others.

To achieve this, property taxes will rise on average by $31 or 0.9 per cent from last year. The increase is one of the lowest among Ontario's larger municipalities for the second year in a row.

"Council has passed a responsible budget," said City Manager Chris Murray, noting this year's increase of 0.9 percent is the second lowest among larger surrounding municipalities. "This is a strong sign Hamilton continues to move in the right direction and we are in excellent shape for 2013."

Through the budget process, significant financial pressures associated with energy costs, social service demands, paramedic services and infrastructure needs were largely offset through identifying new efficiencies.

Highlights of the 2012 budget include:

• Service improvements to DARTS with expanded eligibility ($850,000)
• Higher investments in capital infrastructure ($3.3M)
• Continued support for Addiction Services and the Flamborough Women's Resource Centre ($247,000)
• Improvements to land ambulance services ($740,000)
• No transit fare increase
• A commitment towards improved value through a 3-year Pilot for Value for Money Audits
• The second lowest increase since amalgamation

Final approval of the budget is expected at City Council's April 11 meeting.

Information with respect to dates, times, locations and agendas can be found as follows:

• Meeting Calendar
• Agenda & Minutes
• Budgets