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Cop budget includes hiring 13 officers Continued from pg. 1 "I'm sure we want to, as any other police service, remain competitive to those around us. I don't want to see, and I don't expect, our officers to be paid much different than the other police services in the province," said Crowell. A starting constable with Halton Police makes $46,725 and a First Class Constable earns $80,770. The most recent collective bargaining agreement spread out a 9.2 per cent wage increase over three years, which included a 3.1 per cent increase on January 1. Halton Police are in line for another raise in January 2012. The 2011 budget includes the hiring of 13 officers, six civilian positions and the conversion of seven part-time civilian positions to full-time ones. The new hires account for $1.8 million of the budget. Another big-ticket item is an increase $2.4 million for contract and benefits. During Crowell's presentation, he pointed out the ratio of police to population in Halton is the lowest in the GTA, as is the cost of police per capita ($206.21 in 2009). The region has also been named Canada's safest the last three years running. And while the rate of criminal offences, violent crimes and property crimes are up-- 5.5 per cent, 5.4 per cent and 6.3 per cent, respectively-- the crime rate in Halton is significantly lower than that of surrounding regions. "We have 9.5 per cent poverty, we have eight per cent unemployment and 73 per cent of nongovernment workers do not have pensions," said Burlington Councillor Paul Sharman, questioning the rise in salaries. "There's no clear expectation that the economy will get a robust recovery. Is this (on par) with respect to the other members of society, and my question for you is there social justice in this?" he asked Crowell. Taylor asked the department to return to council in the spring with a plan to keep future budgets in and around the rate of inflation. "The people can't pay this rate of increase anymore," he said. --With files from Torstar News Service 3 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday, January 18, 2011 PUBLIC MEETING JANUARY 24, 2011 AT 6:30 PM REQUEST TO TOWN COUNCIL FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF $4.546 M FOR THE PROPOSED GEORGETOWN HOSPITAL EXPANSION ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND Council is inviting those who wish to comment on the hospital request for financial support from the Town in the amount of $4.546 million, for the proposed Georgetown Hospital expansion to accommodate a CT Scanner and improve the Emergency Area, to attend its Public Meeting to be held on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers, Town of Halton Hills, 1 Halton Hills Drive. Those intending to come do NOT need to register to speak. However, in order for Council to accommodate all citizens wishing to attend, confirmation in advance of your attendance with the Town Clerk's Office: Renée Brown, 905-873-2601, ext. 2333 or by e-mail at reneeb@haltonhills.ca would be appreciated. WANTED Homes With Asphalt Shingles in Need of Replacement Ontario Shake N' Tile, Ontario's most trusted metal roofing specialist, is looking for homes in your area that need a new roof and never want to roof again. We offer the beauty and elegance of a natural wood shake roof with the durability and unmatched performance of metal. It comes with a lifetime transferable warranty against: winds, rain, snow, moss, hail and tree resin. This beautiful roof is being introduced to your local market now. If you participate in our Display Home Program, we will reduce our already competitive pricing and make it worth your while to investigate the many benefits of our roof. You must book your job within 10 days of this advertisement. Low payments, 100% financing available, O.A.C. Call NOW for HUGE Savings! 1-888-271-7119 www.roofontario.com IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND ­ YOU CAN STILL COMMENT Council welcomes citizens who are unable to attend the Public Meeting to submit your comments in writing to the attention of the Town Clerk, Town of Halton Hills 1 Halton Hills Drive, Halton Hills, ON L7G 5G2 SERVED THURSDAY & FRIDAY 11:30 am to 2:00 pm Featuring: - Roast R t Beef B f - Dessert Table, $ - Roast Pork Loin - Assorted Salads Tea & Coffee Private Catering Available LUNCH BUFFET - OR All citizens also have the opportunity to submit comments electronically by the visiting the Town's website http://www. haltonhills.ca/publicmeetings/georgetownhospital.php 11.50 HST INCLUDED WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?? To view the presentation made by Halton Healthcare regarding the Capital Plan for the Georgetown Hospital, and the proposed Municipal Share request of $4.546 million, please visit the Town's website at: www.haltonhills.ca 4 1 Halton Hills Dr., Halton Hills ON L7G 5G2 Tel.: 905-873-2601 · Fax: 905-873-2347 ~ LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ~ Fri. & Sat. 9:30 pm - close COPY CATS Rock n' Roll/Dance 79 Main Street South, Georgetown 905-877-3388