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10 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 12, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Region eyes 3.7 per cent tax increase By Melanie Hennessey SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The Region's proposed 2008 budget and related 3.7 per cent tax increase received another preliminary stamp of approval late last week and will soon go before regional council for final consideration. The budget was supported by the administration and finance committee at its meeting last week. If it gets the go-ahead from council next week, Halton taxpayers will be looking at a $46.13 increase for 2008 based on a $300,000 property assessment. This figure is comprised of a $24.59 increase for regional services and a $21.54 hike for police services. Water and sewer rates are also slated to go up by $43.98, or 6.5 per cent, based on an average annual consumption of 300 cubic metres. The committee heard presentations from several organizations, like the Halton Region Police Service, which was seeking support for its $99 million budget. Police Chief Gary Crowell outlined where the money goes, such as $86.9 million to staffing and support costs, $5.6 million to fleet operations and $4.2 million to building costs. He also spoke about the pressures on the police service. "Demands for police time are increasing due to the changing type of crime in our community and also due to legislated complexities and the judicial system," he explained. The committee also heard from Conservation Halton (CH) chair Brian Penman, who was seeking the Region's support to the tune of $5 million -- about half a million, or 12 per cent, more than the conservation authority asked for last year. He noted that the money for CH would cost the average household $21.69 next year on their tax bill. With the potential $46.13 tax increase, the average resident could be paying $1,304.08 next year for the regional portion of their tax bill. Topping the list is police services at $427, followed by $150 for transportation services, $130 for waste management, $88 for housing initiatives and $70 for services for seniors. The proposed budget will go before the budget review committee Monday and then to regional council Wednesday, Dec. 19. Couple charged with theft and mischief Continued from page 1 Police began their investigation after a complaint was made by the Halton CAS, which had made several attempts to retrieve the files. The couple was charged with theft and mischief on Friday, Dec. 9. Police say the theft charge was laid because of the "use of the documents" by the couple. The mischief charge was in connection with their alleged refusal to return the highly sensi- tive documents to the CAS. The man and woman are scheduled to appear in Milton court on Jan. 30, 2008 to answer the charges. The Halton Regional Police Service continues to investigate this incident. Those with information are asked to contact the Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 or 905-634-1831 Ext. 2215 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). $ SALE 259 msr $580 $ SALE 199 msr $550 $ SALE 199 $ SALE msr $710 399 $ SALE 399 msr $640 $ SALE 299 msr $550 $ SALE 529 msr $780 Thursday - Sunday OFF ON ALL FASHION MERCHANDISE SAVE an additional 15% OFF The Lowest Ticketed Sale Price Offer Expires Dec. 16th 2007 H O L I D AY H O U R S : M o n d a y - S a t u r d a y 1 0 - 9 S u n d a y 1 0 - 6 Acton 49 Eastern Av 519 853 1031 Toronto 522 King St. W 416 203 7001 Vaughan 57 Northview 905 264 5564 (One Block NE of Weston & Hwy 7)