Markham Set for Second Year of Zero Tax Rate in 2010
Council approves 2010 budget with no tax rate increase.
Markham Council has approved its 2010 Budget with no tax increase for a second consecutive year.
Markham was the only GTA municipality to achieve a zero tax rate in 2009, attributing its success in savings to an extensive program to find efficiencies in its operations and future business practices. Council and staff continued the Excellence through Efficiency and Effectiveness program (E3) in 2009 with continued focus on how municipal business operations and services could be improved and more cost effective. “Once again, Council and staff have stepped up to the challenge on behalf of taxpayers,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Throughout 2009, we continued to look for ways to improve our services and reduce costs. And, this year again we have seen positive results including additional savings from the investments we made in key areas. I’m extremely proud of our accomplishments and our ability to hold the line once again on taxes during a fragile economy, and without any reduction in services.”
Mayor Scarpitti remarked,“ We began E3 over two years ago when we detected a worsening economy. This way of doing business is now an integral part of our annual business planning process. The fact we are able to achieve these costs reductions and efficiencies without using our reserves, or reducing staff levels critical to service delivery, is a great testament to the power of innovation and our strong focus on continuous improvement.”
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
