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Savings from GTA pooling returned to municipalities cent of his constituents favoured using the money for a tax cut. But, Oakville Councillor Allan Elgar contendHalton's four municipalities just got a little ed that taxpayers want to see the money sent richer now that regional council has decided to back to the four municipalities. The fact municipal councils will have the give each a portion of the $6.1 million it's saving option to return the funds for regional transportaon GTA pooling this year. In a narrow 11-9 vote last week, council tion projects was highlighted by Halton Hills approved providing each municipality with its Mayor Rick Bonnette. "This allows us flexibility," he noted. "I think proportionate share of the savings for local infrastructure needs by April 30. This equates to $614, this is a good resolution." Bonnette also said he thinks giving the money 270 for Halton Hills, $2.6 million for Oakville, back through taxes would defeat the purpose of $2.1 million for Burlington, and the Fairness for Halton campaign, which $738,100 for Milton. was jointly launched by the local municThe motion also says that the municiipalities to ask the Province for palities have the option of returning the changes-- such as to the GTA pooling funds to the Region for its transportation requirements-- that would in turn give projects, which is how staff originally Halton the needed funds to address recommended it be spent. infrastructure deficits. The extra money is a result of the Halton Hills Councillor Jane Fogal provincial government's recent decision shared similar sentiments, explaining to phase out GTA pooling-- the system that making tax cuts would tell the RICK that Halton and other local regions conProvince Halton does have enough tributed to help Toronto pay for its social BONNETTE money for infrastructure. service costs. Pooling has cost Halton She and Milton Mayor Gord Krantz voiced about $41 million each year, or around $180 for their support for the motion crafted during last the average taxpayer. Regional council discussed whether or not the week's planning and public works committee that funds should be returned to residents before it asked for the local municipalities to simply be made its decision, with Burlington Councillor consulted with on the option of receiving pooling Jack Dennison once again voicing his support for funds versus using the money for regional projects. the notion. Burlington Mayor Cam Jackson said he thinks "I think the $6.1 million should go back to the the four municipalities will make the best deci taxpayer," he emphasized. Failing that, he said he would support the sions on where to invest the money. Local regional representatives were divided on motion because it moves the money closer to the the motion to send the pooling savings to each taxpayer. Acting Commissioner of Corporate Services local municipality with Bonnette supporting the Mark Scinocca told council that giving the money plan while Fogal and Wards 1&2 Councillor back would equate to a $27 reduction in taxes for Clark Somerville voted against the motion. Under the Province's plan, pooling will be the average household based on a $300,000 reduced by one-sixth of its 2004 levels each year assessment. Milton Councillor Colin Best noted he con- until the program is completely eliminated by ducted a poll in his area and found that 73 per 2013. MELANIE HENNESSEY Special to The IFP