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Town may have to sell assets to finance future projects serves, annual indexing of capital financing, continuance of the current dedicated hoping through the long-term financial levies, loans, fundraising campaigns, plan and through the Special Infrastruc- public/private partnerships (in particular ture Levy that we have, that will help start with the new arenas) and the sale of town to address some of our long-term needs." assets. "As we build new assets we're going to The Special Infrastructure Levy (1.1 have to take a hard look at our existing per cent) is part of every Town tax bill-- assets that we have, whether they be land generating $294,0000-- and will continue or buildings and look at the possibility to do so until 2013. of selling them-- sell "It's a Catch-22 sitan asset to acquire uation," said Mayor a new asset-- that's Rick Bonnette, exsomething staff will plaining despite the come back with," said low reserves, unless DeSousa last sumthe Town kicks in its mer when council apone-third share, it proved the first comwould not get any of ponent of the new the stimulus money financing strategy-- a flowing from the proreserve and reserve vincial and federal fund policy. levels. "It (low reserves) is "If we didn't apcertainly a concern," ply for them (the said Wards 3&4 Regrants), we would gional Councillor not get anything Jane Fogal. "It (the done in this econoconsultant's study) my ...That's eating up will be the impetus to our reserves and they put more money into (the Province) say the reserves." `Gee you don't have Unlike other fasterenough reserves'," he growing Halton musaid. "I say next time nicipalities, Halton send us a couple milHills has relatively lion for our reserves! low property tax asWe could be stagnant RICK BONNETTE sessment increases so and sit on our hands there's no easy answer and not use up our to how to build up reserves, but it will reserves, said Fogal. mean we wait until 2012 or 2014 for these She said the municipality isn't like Halton projects." Region, which has had low tax increases. Last month, Halton Hills council apShe said there is no appetite amongst proved the hiring of a consulting firm-- at a cost of $75,000-- to prepare a long- the public for service level cuts, noting range financial plan to deal with the there was a "hue and cry" when the muexpected continued pressure to build new nicipality stopped cutting grass at its usuinfrastructure resulting from future resi- al standard levels. "Ultimately, we're going to have to raise dential housing. taxes to raise more funds," she said. The strategy that will look at several --With files from Tim Foran, options to help pay for new projects, Metroland Media Group including dedicated contributions to reContinued from pg. 1 I'm definitely training for a career with a future. Pre-apprenticeship skilled trades training will get you job-ready­fast! Programs start February. Learn more at a free information session. Check the website for dates: www.thecentre.on.ca To register: 905-333-3499 ext. 121 or 1-888-315-5521 ext. 121 trades@thecentre.on.ca 3 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, March 4, 2010 `We could be stagnant and sit on our hands and not use up our reserves, but it will mean we wait until 2012 or 2014 for these projects.' Georgetown's Favourite AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP WINTER SPECIALS Bring in this coupon and We will perform a diagnostic scan of all fuel related sensors to ensure they are working within range for optimum fuel mileage, check vehicle spark plugs and all tune up related parts. Basically we will check the vehicle head to toe concentrating on any components that will gain your fuel mileage as well as keep you safe. YOU ALSO RECEIVE: · Up to 5 litres of oil · New oil filter · Check and top up all fluids including brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid. · Visual inspection of belts, hoses, cooling system and electrical systems PLUS RECEIVE FOR · FREE tire balance & ONLY rotation, antifreeze test, front end suspension + TAX Limited check & brake inspection r for most Time Offer · FREE brake inspection $ 49 99 vehicles 20 Armstrong Ave., Georgetown (near Mountainview Rd. N) 905-877-8731 email: tservice@on.aibn.com e-mail: hassellsauto@bellnet.ca www.hassellautomotive.com Warranty Warranty Warranty 2006 FORD F150 Loaded, 4X4, Auto, 52K 2006 ALTIMA SL 4 Cyl, Auto, Loaded, Leather One Owner, Off Lease, Low Kms $13,400 $20,500 Loaded, Leather, Auto Heated Seats, 80K 2006 MAZDA 3 $13,500 CALL