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Mild winter saving Town $$$ CYNTHIA GAMBLE Staff Writer Mother Nature was kind to the Public Works Department's budget in 2006. The mild weather over the last couple months, and early in 2006, has resulted in $177,000 savings to the snow-clearing budget. The surplus dollars will now go into tax stabilization, capital financing and repairs and maintenance reserves. Mayor Rick Bonnette hoped a portion of that money would ease tax increases in the 2007 budget. Director of Engineering, Public Works and Building Services Rick Henry said crews are working on completing other projects not normally done in winter months such as pothole maintenance, ditching and tree trimming. Ward 2 Councillor Bryan Lewis, the Town's representative on Conservation Halton, pointed out a downside to the mild weather. The authority is "taking a hit" on its revenue budget with the lack of snow on the Kelso Conservation Area ski slopes. "So as much as we think this is positive," he said, "there are some within our community who are suffering greatly. So with mixed emotions we are saying `Way to go. Spend the money wisely, and then, can it snow tomorrow?'" "I can think of a few businesses in town that are suffering too," added the mayor. Austin Bogart, 9, became airborne on his mini-scooter as he enjoyed the bare driveway at his grandmother Cathy Pucz's place Friday. Photo by Ted Brown Acton Free Press carrier Terry D'Ambrosio, 12, doesn't mind the mild weather when it comes to delivering his 50-odd papers on Tanners Drive. (Left) Most kids would be sliding down the hill on a sled this time of year, but Devan Bogart took advantage of the snow-less driveway at grandmother Cathy Pucz's house and rode an old kiddie car down the asphalt. Photos by Ted Brown