Council sets out 2009 budget time line

AJAX -- Property owners in Ajax should circle Feb. 23, 2009 on their calendars.

That's the day Ajax councillors are expected to approve next year's budget which will probably include a tax increase.

Council's general government committee approved the 2009 budget timetable on Thursday, laying out when Town staff have to submit requests.

One proposal is to stop having a specific e-mail so residents can comment on the budget. Rather, comments could be sent through the existing finance department e-mail at finance@townofajax.com, said Rob Ford, finance director.

"I'm not sure if I want to give that up," said Renrick Ashby, Ward 2 local Councillor, adding a notice about the budget process, including the discontinuing of the special budget e-mail, should be included in tax bills.

"That's the plan," Mr. Ford said, noting that in addition to the tax bill, the Town's website will also include information on the budget.

"It's really just a name change," Mr. Ford said of eliminating the special e-mail address.

During the 2008 budget process, no e-mails were received at budget@townofajax.com, the third year in a row no comments were submitted, Mr. Ford said.

In his written report to the committee, Mr. Ford said the Town has tried in the past to engage the public in the budget process, usually with little success. For this year's budget, four open houses were held in November and December, yet only 17 people came out.

For the 2009 budget, the Town won't hold open houses, but will instead provide information packages, which will have a glossary of common terms, details on the budget process and answers to frequently asked questions. The packages will be available on the Town's website, Mr. Ford said.

Councillors will decide on a tax-increase target on Oct. 9. This year, the increase was 3.25 per cent, with one per cent used solely to add staff.

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