Regional council sets 2019 budget guidelines
By Chris Jones/The Oshawa Express
Regional council has set the 2019 property tax guideline to not exceed an overall tax increase of 2.2 per cent.
The increase would mean approximately $59 more in taxes for an average residential property with a value assessed at $424,900.
The 2019 property tax guideline has to incorporate certain policies, the first of which is that the 2019 budget for Durham Regional Police Services cannot exceed $204.65 million, which is an increase of 3.9 per cent compared to 2018
The 2019 budget for Durham Region Transit also cannot exceed $58.15 million, which is an increase of 4.2 per cent over 2018.
The operating budget for 2019 for each conservation authority within Durham Region cannot exceed an increase of 2.5 per cent, plus or minus current value assessment adjustments.
The 2019 special benefiting programs budget for each conservation authority also cannot exceed an increase of 1.5 per cent.
The final guideline is the 2019 budget for the Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation cannot exceed a three per cent increase for operations and a 25 per cent increase for its capital program.
Commissioner of finance Nancy Taylor must also provide council with a report for a reserve fund financing strategy.
The background on the strategy must include the purpose of the reserve fund, future requirements and recommendations for future contributions and uses that are identified in servicing and financing studies.
Copies of the 2019 regional business plans and property tax budget guideline must also be forwarded to the DRPS board, the DRT commission, conservation authorities, Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation and other outside agencies in order to help guide the development of a detailed 2019 business plan and budget.
Speaking to The Oshawa Express, Regional Chair John Henry said, “Every member of council will have the opportunity to have input into the budget to look for every opportunity to continue to make the region efficient and effective in delivering those services to the residents.”
However, Henry notes there are still some challenges, including the need for a larger police presence, an issue he heard a lot about from residents during his campaign for regional chair.
Henry says there are 26 new police officers and support staff in the budget for 2019.
“We have listened to the residents, and we have brought some of their concerns into this budget process,” he said.
The budget deliberations are scheduled to begin on March 19.
Henry says, “It will be something that all members of council will work towards to make sure that we do the very best for our residents, and for the entire region.”