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Roadwork high on Region's to-do list Continued from pg. 1 despite hefty spending on infrastructure, residents will have a 0.1 per cent tax reduction for Regional services, which include waste management, public health and transportation. "A tax freeze was difficult, especially given the direction to maintain programs and increase them when possible," said Regional treasurer Jane MacCaskill. The 0.1 per cent reduction translates to about $1 in savings for a home assessed at $350,000. Staff predict owners of a $350,000 home-- the median price of a house in Halton-- will pay about $895 for Regional services in 2011. However, the cost for other services could be going up, according to the report. The Halton Regional Police Services Board's 2011 budget shows residents will pay about $481 for police services, an approximate $20 increase from last year. The 0.1 per cent reduction in Regional services, combined with the increase for police services, translates to a 1.4 per cent increase in the 2011 Regional property tax bill. The cost for water and wastewater will also go up next year. Currently held at 2009 rates, the 2011 rates, paid to local hydro providers, will increase by 4.1 per cent. Along with road-widening projects, the Region's business plan shows an emphasis on social services-- which makes up the largest portion of Halton's operating costs. Spending planned for next year includes a $1.5 million increase to the existing $33 million 10-year social housing program, which aims to deliver 60 to 100 new social housing per year. 3 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, December 30, 2010 Located in the Georgetown Market Place (next to Mr. Sub.) CLOSING SALE Up to 70 % OFF · Area Rugs · Runners · Carpets · Laminates INDIAN RIVER DIRECT CITRUS TRUCKLOAD SALE Wednesday, January 5th, 10 am - 12 noon Yoyo Japanese Restaurant 357 Guelph St., (beside Ford dealership) Police blotter: Theft charge laid A Georgetown man is facing charges after police spotted a man acting suspiciously around vehicles in the Maple Ave./Edith St. area about 11:20 p.m. Tuesday. Halton Police say a plainclothes officer noticed the man and called in uniform officers. There was a foot pursuit and police apprehended the man. He was searched and several items were recovered that had been stolen from vehicles in the area. Charged with theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property is Benjamin Patrick Neal, 19. ··· Police are looking for two men in connection with thefts from vehicles after a Russell St. resident, having a cigarette outside at 2:50 a.m. Saturday, noticed a van traveling on the street. He saw two males get out and enter a vehicle parked in a neighbour's driveway, then leave. Taken from the vehicle were binoculars and a compass. The van is believed to be a silver Chevrolet Venture. One of the suspects is described as 5'10" wearing a silver hoodie, and the other male is 6' and was wearing red clothing. GEORGETOWN ACTON Wednesday, January 5th, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm The Hide House (Eastern & Mill) $ 20 LB. BOX OF FLORIDA Seedless Navel Oranges or Ruby Red Grapefruit PER BOX 23.00 e-mail: hassellsauto@bellnet.ca www.hassellautomotive.com THE HASSELL AUTOMOTIVE EVOLUTION It was started in 1984 by one man, Dave. A top notch, triple licensed mechanic, Dave wanted to establish a friendly, down-to-earth relationship with small town Georgetown, fixing anything that came through the door. This small fix-it became busy fast. Zero to five cars daily quickly became 15 to 25. It became clear help was needed, so Dave brought on two ambitious, awesome apprentices (John Farrugia & Danny Martin). Six months later, Dave, a registered Dealer, started selling cars. It hurt! Ninety-four vehicles sold the first year, with $6000 in losses caused mainly by fixing these used vehicles to the point they were brand new! Dave's basic philosophy never wavered: total honesty and care for the customer has remained most important. Twenty-seven years later, Hassell's Automotive has 10 full/part-time empoyees, has sold approximately 9000 cars, services and repairs 25 to 40 vehicles daily, has over 4000 active customers, has been named the Readers Choice #1 Used Car Sales & Service 13 years and counting and has won numerous other awards. All we can say is thank you so much to those who have helped us get here today. We hope you have a very Happy New Year! Sincerely Jill Hassell Happy New Year!