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Contract billed fair deal for police and taxpayers 5 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, August 5, 2009 Continued from page 1 ber Halton Police Services Board, which also includes regional council members Gary Carr, Colin Best and Carol D'Amelio. Police in Halton have always been paid the average of what officers in those other jurisdictions receive, said Maich, but the current settlement puts Halton police slightly below the average. The low crime environment is due to the quality and excellence of Halton's police service and the participation of residents in the region to help police prevent and combat crime, Maich said. Asked if Halton's fortunate socioeconomic status -- the average household income was $104,000 in 2006 compared to a provincial average of $75,000 -- was also a factor, Maich responded, "Hypothetically, that can be a factor." Paul Lacourse, chief administrator for the Halton Regional Police Association, said the new contract drops his members to fifth best paid in the province from their previous number two status. However, he said there's only a difference of about $700 in annual salary from numbers one to 10. "We think it's a fair deal "We think it's a fair deal for both our members and the taxpayers." Paul Lacourse, Halton Regional Police Association, chief administrator for both our members and the taxpayers," said Lacourse. Maich said, despite the wage increases, the board still plans to try to achieve a 2010 budget that would result in no tax increases to Halton property taxpayers, as requested by Halton regional council. However, with personnel costs accounting for more than 85 per cent of the police budget, the new collective agreement presents a challenge to achieving that target, he admitted. As has been the case for at least the past 17 years, the current contract was negotiated with no need for job action, said Lacourse. The agreement is in place until December 31, 2011 and covers the Halton Regional Police Service's 587 uniformed officers and 230 civilian administrative staff. There are only three non-unionized members of the Halton Regional Police Service -- the chief and the two deputy chiefs, who work on contracts with salary reviews each year, said Maich. Chief Gary Crowell earned $215,000 in salary and taxable benefits in 2008, a 12-per-cent increase over 2007, according to provincially-released statistics. Scan Trafalgar Township photos The Oakville Public Library will host a Trafalgar Township Photo Scanning Day tomorrow. From noon-4 p.m. Thursday, residents can visit the Oakville Library Central Branch located at 120 Navy St., to scan their heritage photos. The Trafalgar Historical Society is partnering with the Oakville Public Library to scan photos for inclusion on the Oakville Images website. If you want to participate and have some photos scanned, e-mail to register how many photos you have. For information, contact www.tths.ca or e-mail michelle@tths.ca. FRIDAY, AUGUST 7TH KEEPING SENIORS INFORMED Our LivingW e l l Events are Open to the Public Friday August 7 @ 3:30 p.m. Pianist Cheryl Dickson-Neal · Wednesday August 12 1:00 p.m. Lunch 2:15 p.m. Learn Travelogue Lunch & Learn to Scotland · Thursday August 13 @ 3:00 p.m. Peach Patio Party Delmanor Glen Abbey is Oakville's premier retirement residence for active adults. We emphasize independence and individuality in a community environment that promotes an active mind and a sound body. In short, we believe in LivingWell and we'd like you to join l us. All the events are free of charge. Just call 905 469-3232 to reserve your spot. People's Choice Award Winner 3 Years in a Row... Thank You Oakville! TM 1459 Nottinghill Gate just south of Upper Middle, west of Dorval