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Council passes 2011 Budget
Stephanie Kinsella with Norman Jack
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Ottawa city councillors have formally approved the more than $2 billion 2011 operating budget, after less than three hours of debate..
That means your property taxes are going up 2.45% this year, or about $75 on the average property tax bill.
There are very few changes from the original budget tabled by Mayor Jim Watson in January. He worked on the financial plan with the city manager, and councillors didn't get to see the details until it was publicly released.
Council signed off on the $7 million in savings for OC Transpo this year, which includes the option of buying 75 double decker buses over the next few years. Transit fares will also increase 2.5%, and seniors will ride free on Monday and Friday afternoons.
The only major discussion came during the presentation of the Police Service Board budget. Police Chief Vern White again warned that he might not be able to fill all officer openings in 2013, if the 2.5% cap on budget increases continues.
Council passes 2011 Budget
Stephanie Kinsella with Norman Jack
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Ottawa city councillors have formally approved the more than $2 billion 2011 operating budget, after less than three hours of debate..
That means your property taxes are going up 2.45% this year, or about $75 on the average property tax bill.
There are very few changes from the original budget tabled by Mayor Jim Watson in January. He worked on the financial plan with the city manager, and councillors didn't get to see the details until it was publicly released.
Council signed off on the $7 million in savings for OC Transpo this year, which includes the option of buying 75 double decker buses over the next few years. Transit fares will also increase 2.5%, and seniors will ride free on Monday and Friday afternoons.
The only major discussion came during the presentation of the Police Service Board budget. Police Chief Vern White again warned that he might not be able to fill all officer openings in 2013, if the 2.5% cap on budget increases continues.
