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4- The Oakville Beaver, Friday September 8, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Halton council eyes pay hike By Melanie Hennessey SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER It looks like Halton Region councillors elected this fall could make a bit more money than originally expected. A pay raise that would kick in Dec. 1 was supported by Halton's administration and finance committee Wednesday. That was its first hurdle. It means -- if council approves it next week -- that councillors would go from earning $36,535 a year to $39,168 (a 7.2 per cent hike) and the regional chairman from $144,828 to $147,029 (a 1.5 per cent hike). The numbers came as a recommendation from the Citizen Advisory Committee on Council Remuneration, which met two times during the summer to consider the matter. The group found Halton councillors' salaries were 7.2 per cent below the GTA average, while the regional chairman's was 1.5 per cent short. "We acknowledge the importance of compensating fairly and on par with other municipalities," said citizen committee member Harry Wogden. It's estimated the salary increases will cost the Region an extra $54,861 annually. The citizen group also recommended that it reconvene in two years to determine if a salary market review is required. The councillors on the committee applauded the group's efforts in dealing with the compensation issue, which can often be a touchy subject for those on council to handle. Oakville Councillor Keith Bird said he thinks using the citizen group is a "civilized way of dealing with a difficult situation." Regional Chairman Joyce Savoline also extended her appreciation to the advisory committee. "This isn't something council can accomplish without a lot of controversy," she noted. Oakville Mayor Ann Mulvale added, "We're trying to take the politics out of this." The citizen advisory committee is composed of two residents from each of Halton's four municipalities. The raises will be considered by regional council during its meeting Wednesday. -- Melanie Hennessey can be reached at mhennessey@miltoncanadianchampion.com. Starts 9am * Saturday September 9th at all New Balance Toronto and Oakville locations To celebrate the 100th anniversary of New Balance, we're giving away a FREE New Balance backpack*, when you make a purchase of $100 or more. And as a bonus, the 100th customer to buy merchandise will have their entire purchase paid for, as well as receive a free backpack!** *While supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit one per person per purchase. Purchase price must be a minimum of $100 before taxes. **In order to qualify for free purchase, customer must spend a minimum of $100 before taxes and provide a phone number for contact. 767 Supportive Cushioning Runner 809 All-Terrain Runner 716 Light Cushioning Cross Trainer 743 Women's Walker 965 Country Walker 8515 Cushioning Cross Trainer 5 9 LE IDD ER M AST UPPROAD E The largest selection of New Balance apparel, accessories and footwear in multiple widths. 8 403 TH Oakville . W E. Q. TH E LIN E LIN Upper Middle Rd E & 8th Line 905.337.9393 www.newbalanceoakville.ca