You can have say in how Newmarket spends your tax dollars


Yorkregion.com
Jan. 29, 2015
By Chris Simon

It’s time to have a say on how your municipal tax dollars are spent, Newmarket.

As the town’s annual budget process gets underway, there are several ways you can make your voices heard. For example, visit newmarket.ca and click on the ‘2015 Budget’ button to take an interactive survey. Residents who use the online tool will be entered into a draw for a prize valued at $100.

The survey allows you to use your own property assessment to see how much you currently pay monthly for a variety of town services, including events, facilities, parks, trails, the library, and the planning and fire departments.

By using the calculation tool, you can increase, decrease or maintain the amount spent in each service area and see what impact it has on your monthly taxes.

When you are satisfied with your budget choices, you can submit feedback to the town and share it on a variety of social networks.

Results will be collected over the next several weeks and should help council know how residents would like to see tax revenue invested.

“Public engagement is an integral part of the budget process,” Mayor Tony Van Bynen said in a press release. “We encourage all residents to get involved in the budget process through the various channels available and help shape the future of Newmarket.”

You are also encouraged to contact your ward councillor, or attend upcoming budget deliberations. All meetings will take place at town hall, 395 Mulock Dr. Meetings are currently scheduled for Feb. 2 (1:30 p.m.) and 23 (10 a.m.), March 23 (1:30 p.m.) and April 13 (1:30 p.m.) and 20 (7 p.m.).