Correction: The actual mill rate increase is 1.3%.  That’s because the properties are assessed at a higher rate.  End result for us homeowners is same.  3.24% increase on a $350,000 house or a 1.3% increase on a house that’s assessed much higher. 
Milton had a budget meeting last night. I wasn’t able to make it (I e-mailed my comments to different councillors), but Mike Cluett was there, sending play-by-play. 

If I understand it correctly (will edit it as details become clearer), then the extension of Louis St Laurent to Tremaine is added in the 2010 Capital Budget.  I couldn’t be more excited.  Scott neighbourhood (HVE) is completely grid-locked with construction on Derry and Tremaine.  Another exit off the community will help a great deal.  Since it’s part of the Capital Budget, the money comes from developers.

In addition, the Transit budget got approved as well. That is another good news, because now Scott can get an express bus service.

All-in-all, it came down to a 3.24% increase in Mill Rate, a major part of which will go towards increases in staff salaries (personally, I think it’s insane to give salary increases in this climate, but what do I know).  Someone should tell them that there’s a bad recession out there.  3.24% translates to $8.39 for every $100,000 in assessment.  For a $350,000 house, it means an increase of about $30 / year, or just under $2.50 per month.