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Region settles on 1.4% tax hike cillor Jeff Knoll. "We're stuck at a $191,000 decision and who are we putting this on the shoulders of -- our staff. It sets a tone." In a budget that will see close to $1 bilFollowing a half-hour in-camera session, lion spent on infrastructure, programs, council reconvened and the motion to deservices, regional staff and police, Halton's crease the cap to 2 per cent was defeated council was hung up on about $190,000. 15-6. That amount represented the difference However, there was no divide when it between capping Regional staff pay increas- came down to the approval of the Region's es at 2.25 per cent, which was the 2011 budget, which was unaniamount decided upon during Monmously passed during Wednesday's day's budget deliberations, or at 2 meeting. per cent, which some councillors Halton's 2011 operating budget deemed would bring public sector will see more than $700 million wages further in line with those in spent on costs, including police the private sector. services and regional staff, and the "I think that the public is lookcapital budget totals more than ing for us to show some leadership JANE $200 million. and keep in line with the private FOGAL While the Regional services budsector," said Halton Hills Councilget represents a 0.2 per cent delor Jane Fogal Monday. crease from last year, the rising costs of poFogal introduced the motion after the licing and water and wastewater rates have defeat of a similar motion from Burlington offset that tax cut. councillor Jack Dennison that would have When combined with the 4.4 per cent inseen pay increases capped at 1.9 per cent. crease in the Halton Regional Police Service "Is it a lot of money, no. But we have to budget, taxpayers will see an increase of 1.4 do something different. Public sector sala- per cent on the total Regional property tax ries have gotten out of line with the private bill. For a household assessed at $350,000, sector," said Dennison. their 2011 taxes will increase about $19 Fellow Burlington Councillor Paul Shar- over last year. man supported the motion, citing an imbalThe approved rate-supported water and ance in private and public sector wages and wastewater budget for 2011 sees an increase increasing poverty rates in Halton. of 4.1 per cent. For a typical household usHowever, the majority around the coun- ing 300 cubic metres of water a year, this cil table were satisfied with the cap. equals an increase of about $31 over 2010 "This isn't a negotiation. We're not set- levels. ting numbers in stone," said Oakville Coun---with files from Kim Arnott, special By CHRISTINA COMMISSO Metroland Media Group Store Hours Mon - Wed 10-6 Thurs - Fri 10 -8 Sat 10 - 5 WE PAY THE HST IN JANUARY! SAVE S U PL $ Up to 5 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, January 27, 2011 Last Chance! Ends Monday ON COLEMAN FURNACES & AIR CONDITIONERS* in gov't REBATES Book Your Furnace & Fireplace Maintenance Today 1967 years 1690 44 2011 *Limited Time Offer. Must be booked by Jan. 31, 2011. Fireplace, Heating & Air Conditioning Sales & Service 118 Guelph St. Georgetown (at Maple) APPLEBY SYSTEMS 905-877-8990 FULL PARTS & SERVICE 6 YEARS IN A ROW Favourite Furnace & Air Conditioner Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5; Saturday 11-4; Appointments available after hours upon request www.applebysystems.ca All Gym Members One Day Only! Saturday January 29th 10 am - 3 pm GEORGETOWN LIONS CLUB is seeking $30 off Your purchase of new shoes at Feet In Motion For gym members only. Please bring your membership card. This offer applies to in-stock regular priced adult footwear only. GEORGETOWN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR The Lions Club is accepting applications for the Georgetown Citizen of the Year for the year 2010. Please forward an application or resume to the selection committee before February 20, 2011. Thank you Halton Hills for voting us your Favourite Toy Store 7 years in a row! All Send to Georgetown Lions Club P.O. Box 73 Georgetown, ON L7G 4T1 or Fax to 905-702-0825 or email to lindadilks@bell.net For information or sample application please contact Lion Linda Dilks 905-702-1284 Don't let that special volunteer go unrecognized. Bu y 2 get 1 Free! 211 Guelph Street, Georgetown Northview Centre (Beside Police Station) HOURS: Monday-Wednesday 9:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Thursday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sunday 11 am - 4 pm 905-873-4410 Award dinner to be held March 29, 2011. A community project of the Georgetown Lions Club.