News Release
March 1, 2006
Ajax Council plans for the future with 3.5% tax increase
Ajax Council has approved a 3.5 per cent property tax increase, or
About $33 on a home assessed at $274,500. Council approved the $27 million
operating and $13.9 capital budget last night.
Council also reduced the tax rate by approximately 8.5 per cent to
account for the transfer of Transit and Waste Collection to the Region
of Durham in 2006. This reduction ensures the Region’s tax bill will be
partially offset by a corresponding reduction in the Town’s portion.
“The 2006 budget balances the needs and demands of a growing community
while planning for the future,” said Budget Chief Joanne Dies (Ward 3,
Local Councillor). “It protects service levels, invests in new
infrastructure, provides for much needed additional staff and
strengthens our long term financial planning. “
Since 2003, the Town has kept hiring under strict controls, only hiring
three new non fire staff members - while the population of the Town and
demand for services have increased each year.
“Key to the 2006 budget is a long term reserve strategy, including a
Post Build Out Capital Reserve,” said Rob Ford, the Town’s Director of
Finance. ”With the Town expected to reach build out by 2021, it is
important we have a sound financial plan in place. We won’t always be
able to rely on assessment growth, like the 5.9% we achieved this year,
to offset costs. “
The budget also provides funding for transportation and
resurfacing/surface initiatives such as the construction of a new
bridge on Salem from Taunton to Rossland, new washroom facilities at the
waterfront, a new splash pad at McLean Community Centre, additional
parks, a new fire station, and the construction of a universal play
space and new basketball court at the Ajax Community Centre.
For a complete review of the 2006 Budget, visit www.townofajax.com.
Colleen Jordan
Regional Councillor
Wards 3 & 4
Res: (905) 427-5084
Town: (905) 683-4550
Fax: (905) 683-8207
Website: www.colleenjordan.ca
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