2024 Budget

1) pleased to see some support for Truth and Reconciliation initiatives and encourage increase efforts & community events for T & R
2) DEI mentioned but would have liked to see more concrete community-focused actions mentioned
3) continued support of volunteer-led community groups is important, especially with reductions in private donations to groups. Examples would have been good to illustrate the intent; legion, parades, community celebrations, etc.
4) I did not see mention of broad community education regarding stewardship for water and environmental resources. Residents still pour paint, old gasoline and other waste down the sewers.
5) Staff Salaries and Benefits are increasing considerably year-over-year. An 8.37 combined increase is not acceptable. Please look for efficiencies. Are there some positions which could be phased out?
6) Please tackle the long term debt (despite the fact that it is less than the upper acceptable limit).
7) Most but not all charts and tables are labelled. Suggest labelling all for clarity during discussions.
8) Not enough emphasis on efficiencies achieved across staffing, program delivery, service provision, overhead costs, etc.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment and thank you for your service.

You need to overhaul the system to many taxes and not wanting to included extras for seniors like cleaning bottom of seniors driveways with the plow like others Halton area everything is catered to pay raises and no services for people thing the other services should do it all time town put the money back into the town and not your pocketbooks

Property Taxes need to be cut by at least 10%. High taxes by all levels of government are the main reason that housing has become unaffordable. In the private sector, businesses learn how to do MORE with LESS. Higher taxes are not the right answer.

I find it hard to accept the town is looking for a 9.08% increase in the tax impact. In these times of high inflation, I believe it is incumbent on the town to tighten the purse strings. Although I understand the overall impact is an increase of 5.7% increase on our tax bill, that is 5.7% too much!

Certainly there are items in the budget that could be eliminated or delayed to avoid such a monumental increase. Find ways to keep the increase to under 2% !!

As a young person living in the area, I'm happy to see the initiatives being forwarded by the the town in support of reducing emissions and building more homes. I think granting more permissions for existing lots to be subdivided into additional units is a great idea to address unaffordable housing in general. I'd prefer to see infill development and at greater densities in key areas that are walkable / near bike lanes, rather than development of low-density housing on farmland further away from amenities. An interesting change in the home landscape recently is an increased trend toward multi-generational households; I wonder if there are opportunities to modify property taxes based upon the number of working age occupants? I'm sure there are a number of issues with this approach, but given that on the current system, there would be an increased strain on services without a corresponding increase in revenue, I wonder if that could be a potential solution?

I understand the need for the increased tax burden given the rising costs across the country; no one wants to pay more taxes, but if it is needed to maintain the same level of services that we enjoy, I'd rather pay more than face reduced services.

In the current economic climate, where everyone has to practice fiscal restraint, especially those on a fixed income, the town needs to do its part as well, and keep the tax increase far below 5.7%. The new dollar amount of taxes then becomes the base for future increases. We should be concentrating on the core activities of the town and postpone expenditures on any items that are not necessary.

As far as climate change is concerned, individuals should do as much as they can to reduce their carbon footprint. However, given that Canada’s contribution to GHG emissions is about 1.6%, anything we do is essentially virtue signaling. There are many things being done at the federal and provincial level that affect our pocketbook, so the town should minimize spending in this area.

It is the time to do all you can to be fiscally responsible and reduce the proposed tax increase.

I am not pleased to see bike lanes that will remain largely empty, painted green with expensive paint, and crowding of car lanes to accommodate them. Kindly stop spending money on this unnecessary infrastructure. I am not pleased with the 5G towers. They are unsightly. They are going to emit EMF radiation and people will fall ill. We will need to spend money to remove them. So frustrating. Reverse the decision to allow all these transport trucks clogging up Mountainview and other roads. We do not like this 'welcome mat' they have been given. We do not like the fields taken over by illegal (i assume) parking and storage areas for transport trucks. I have heard that our town cannot inspect and ticket effectively due to a lack of manpower. Let's hire inspectors and get this situation reversed. Additionally, I love library programs. I do not love Drag Queens getting paid to read books to children. Do we not have any librarians that will read books to children? Of course, we do...so allow them to read and stop paying money to Fay and Fluffy or whomever dresses as a garish woman. KIndly consider addressing the parking situation in South Georgetown (10th Line and 10 Sideroad) along with the new trend to leave garbage outside after pick-up day. Coyotes and rodents are what one can expect if garbage and composting left between houses or at the street continues to be habitual. Have you any ideas for dealing with car theft and home break-ins as thieves break down front doors for access to car keys? It is very frightening to imagine what people in communities are going through and we seem to be on the brink of this evil. Certainly, car theft is a current issue. Thank you for reading my comments! Patti Birk

Perhaps we could all agree that the lowest possible tax increase (given the kinds of economic pressures on both businesses and individuals) would be a good idea for the upcoming taxation year - and it's not the time for a higher than normal increase.

Then perhaps we could agree that even though we want to do our share, there are many impacts from the federal and provincial government on climate (including higher taxes that are driving inflation) that would make it reasonable that we minimize spending in this area.

Perhaps as well, things that are more optional (including cultural activities - as much as we'd all like that) could be deferred. From a cultural standpoint, I'd like to see communities support themselves. After all, I'm in my 60's, and we used to see all kinds of cultural activities which were run by their own small communities - and which the larger community would then support (but at their discretion, because all of us have our household budgets under pressure). Let's have that responsibility not be the government's, but the people's.

At that point, if we keep the Town's focus on things where the Town is truly the expert - including roads and critical maintenance - then perhaps we could have the percentage increase on our taxes be lower.

Overall, my key input is that given the economic climate at the moment, it is definitely NOT the time for a bigger tax increase.

This budget should include a comprehensive plan to protect specific neighborhoods, as well as the town as a whole from becoming truck traffic routes as truck traffic increases in our community.

For example:
-Bollards have been hastily installed at the John St. One way bridge, but a larger plan is needed.
-Trucks have flipped over taking routes through and around River Dr.
-There are multiple illegal Truck yards in and around our community.

-Routes that are appropriate for trucks should be identified.
-Signage indicating truck routes should be increased.
-John St, Main St S between Maple and HWY 7, Princess Anne Drive, Halton Hills Drive, Delrex, Wildwood, Prince St., Main St. (Glen), etc. should all be identified as heritage neighbourhoods and truck traffic should be rerouted.
-The provincial government should be compelled to intervene with legislation criminalizing illegal truck yards.

-The town should create an official plan for properly handling illegally subdivided single family homes into multi-unit apartments, or otherwise compel the provincial government to intervene with legislation.

-The town should increase enforcement of rural properties being illegally used for truck or trailer parking, dumping, impromptu mobile home parks, or otherwise compel the provincial government to criminalize such activities through legislation.

-The town should develop a strategy for handling invasive plant species planted by the town in years past (ex: Norway maples as boulevard trees), and create a policy surrounding what can be planted on town property, and environmentally responsible care of those plants (ex: planting native, non-invasive flora, and leaving portions of leaf litter or dried stems/seed pods at season’s end for pollinator habitat).

-The town should include in this budget a sorely-needed creation of tree management policy on private property in town. Currently there are no municipal by-laws against clearcutting a privately-owned lot of any size; and no laws against felling old growth trees of any size.

How about some cutbacks or savings from some of the bigger departments just once no increase.

Have town staff considered strengthening Halton Hills Hydro infrastructure? If it is not feasible, can uploading the cost/admin to the province? Are there any services that can be outsourced or eliminated? There is only one taxpayer.

Before I get too far into this budget, when looking at the first few pages I am alarmed at the plans for some pretty hefty expenditures in the coming years. Given the economy is tanking and will worsen, I do not see these projections panning out or viable. There will be far more worrisome issues being dealt with during that time. Once the mortgages that were locked in in 2019 and 2020 come due, there will be a massive economic upheaval.

I would have preferred a much more conservative and risk-averse budget for 2024 and until 2028 when things may start to rebound. We are in for some tough times, and upon first review, I feel this budget is a little detached to this harsh reality.

It seems we are showing a strong commitment to maintaining existing infrastructure in a state of good repair which I like. The budget shows an 18% increase of $40.4 million in non-growth share investment compared to the ten-year plan presented in 2023, which is largely driven by updated project costs in Transportation for construction and equipment. This suggests that the town is actively responding to the rising construction costs and is prepared to invest more to address the growing investment needs for the state-of-good-repair program.
Overall, while the Town is investing significantly in its capital program, especially in areas that impact the daily lives of its residents, such as transportation and parks, there is a need for cautious financial planning to ensure that these expenditures are sustainable and that they do not overburden the Town’s future financial position - (not sure however this is wise considering).

However, it's important to note that these rising costs and investment needs are expected to continue to add pressure to the town’s capital financing over the forecast period. This implies that while there is a plan to address the upkeep of existing infrastructure, the financial sustainability of these investments could be a challenge and may require careful financial planning and potentially seeking additional or alternative funding sources to ensure the town's infrastructure remains in good condition without adversely impacting its financial health​.
If the economy continues to worsen, the Town of Halton Hills could face several financial risks:

Increased Debt Charges: The capital budget plans for $55.3 million in long-term external debt financing. Economic downturns typically lead to higher interest rates, which could increase the cost of borrowing and impose a significant burden on the Town's fiscal position​​.

Funding Shortfalls: The implementation of significant capital projects, including Gellert Phase 2 and the Transit Service Strategy, is contingent on the availability of alternate funding sources like external funding or special levies. A worsening economy might limit these funding opportunities, delay critical projects, or require the Town to find new, potentially more costly financing options​​.

Reduced Development Charges: Economic downturns can slow down development activities, which could lead to a reduction in development charges—a key source of funding for growth-related capital expenditures. This would affect the Town's ability to finance new infrastructure projects that are vital for accommodating growth.

Escalating Project Costs: The budget has already identified rising construction costs and investment needs for the state-of-good-repair program, which are expected to add pressure to capital financing. An economic downturn could exacerbate these costs due to inflation or supply chain disruptions.

Pressure on Reserves: The Town relies heavily on its capital reserves to fund its capital program. A worsening economy could deplete these reserves faster than anticipated if revenues fall short or if emergency expenditures arise.

Decreased Revenue Streams: General economic decline can result in lower tax revenues and other local government incomes, which would further strain the Town’s budget and its ability to maintain and upgrade existing infrastructure.

To mitigate these risks, the Town may need to reassess its capital priorities, consider more conservative fiscal policies, and develop contingency plans for further economic contraction. It's also crucial to maintain flexibility within the budget to adapt to rapidly changing economic conditions.
Just my thoughts.

Why are are we spending 201 Million dollars on parks and recreation over 10 years. It is an average of $ 20 M per year. That is a lot money spent on it. Can't we some of the funds to Affordable housing, transit on Guelph St, water/sewer infrastructure upgrades. This helps for growing housing needs and also attractive Business investments which look at housing affordability and transit while investing money in community.

As a person who does not want to see rampant development in our
community and for the Town of Halton Hills to keep its rural culture,
I do not necessarily object to the large tax increase. It is large and
that should be acknowledged. Resources should be spent on programs
that are within the municipalities’ control to make an impact on:
recreation, parks, safe roads, removing barriers to successful
operation of local businesses, and enforcing by laws. Our community
does not have the population to support and accommodate the massive
cost that goes along with transit.

The concerns I do have are around how these budgetary decisions are
made. Some questions I would like to see answered:

What exactly are tourism development programs? What does this mean
practically?

What is “planning for climate change adaptation”? Even experts in this
area agree that changes and improvements in the area of climate
change, while necessary, can only be truly effective at macro levels.
Energy efficiency and local greening initiatives are great but Excessive
spending in this area by a small municipality is ineffective and
unnecessary.

What exactly is an “Environmental and Natural Asset Coordinator’ and
why is this necessary when you have Managers and are intending to hire
a Planner in this area already?

How do Senior staff determine what is required for this community? Are
they residents of the Town of Halton Hills who understand our unique
character? How many of them live here and are these decisions being
made in the best interest of this community or because it is a
municipal trend?

Yes it's a tough economy, and provincial directives are no help. But nothing matters more than climate mitigation and adaptation. I am dismayed to see "This report . . .does not directly impact or address climate change and the Town's Net Zero target." In the Corporate and Community Safety section of the report there is nothing about our net-zero goal.

Here's a quote from today's report from the International Energy Agency: "The transition to clean energy is happening worldwide and it's unstoppable," Fatih Birol, the IEA's executive director, said in a statement. "Governments, companies and investors need to get behind clean energy transitions rather than hindering them." https://www.cbc.ca/news/climate/iea-report-world-energy-outlook-2023-1.7005194
The new 354-page report builds on previous IEA assessments of the rise of renewable energy and the decline of fossil fuels.

Please keep up with where the world is going. We'll have a healthier, happier town with lower operating costs for Town vehicles and buildings, and we'll avoid the cost of catastrophic weather events if we prepare now.

I have a fixed budget and can’t afford a 5.9 percent increase in my tax load. I am a senior and never got a wage increase or a pension increase for the last few years. I will not support any tax increase.

Please re-evaluate the tax system so that it properly reflects those who are using it. Factor in the number of residents living in a dwelling as well as the current system (size of lot and size of dwelling). Without doing so budgets will continue to be depleted quickly. Example: Single Seniors and Couple Seniors pay the same taxes as Property Owners that house multiply families. This makes no sense. Multiple Families require 3-4 times more of the resources than the Seniors that are now on a limited income and have been contributing to the tax system for decades.

Rather than increasing taxes on existing homes, town should change zoning by laws to allow construction of more homes like multiplexes which will get more taxes from the new homes built. Also we need public transit connecting to Brampton, Mississauga, Milton and Acton from Georgetown. GO is very expensive and time taking due to indirect routes. Expand downtown area for commercial activities which leads to more taxes.