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4 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,February 1, 2011 Council takes paring knife to several budget items See COUNCIL, pg. 4 budget and $105,000 from the technology reserve. Chopped were: · $25,000 in library materials-- about 1,200 items, primarily for the new Acton Library. "This is an addition," said Bonnette, adding, "We can't build Rome in a day." But Wards 3&4 Regional Councillor Jane Fogal opposed the cut, saying "we're going to have to buy those books sooner or later....We know the difference in size between the two libraries, and it's pretty pathetic to have this new library with empty shelves." · $21,000 to hire two students to keep Prospect Park clean of goose droppings and other maintenance duties over the summer. "I have full confidence the new Superior Glove Splash Pad will still be clean like it was last year... as much as it annoys me to see the councillors for other opgoose droppings, it's (the tions worth $5,000 to take hirings) still impacting the it down to 6.2%, othertaxes," said Bonnette. wise he would go with · $5,000 for election exhis final option-- a furpenses. This amount will ther $5,000 reduction of have to be made up in futhe Halton Hills Cultural ture years. Roundtable's budget. In · $9,000 for maintethe preliminary budget nance fees for a recreation two weeks ago, council membership software prohad dropped the volungram ($45,000 will remain teer group's budget from RICK in the Technology Reserve). $60,000 to $40,000. The BONNETTE "I think we can do without group has a management this for a year," said Bonagreement with the Town nette. to help develop and assist the local cul· $6,000 for maintenance fees for an tural and heritage scene within Halton Amanda Public Web Portal program Hills. ($60,000 will remain in the TechnolBut Fogal, an advocate for HHCR, ogy Reserve). "(Town Treasurer Ed suggested another $22,000 in cuts to DeSousa) indicated that we probably reinstate the $20,000 lost. wouldn't get to this project this year," Council accepted her cuts of $5,000 said Bonnette. for various project start-up costs, These cuts reduced the budget to $3,000 for snow maintenance on cycle a 6.3% increase, so Bonnette asked paths on 17 Sideroad and Wallace St. to be built this year, and $14,000 for enhanced snow removal in some parks. Fogal then attempted to reinstate the HHCR budget. Many groups have benefited from the HHCR's leadership, including the Town which used HHCR's services to write a grant proposal for the renovation and expansion of the Georgetown Library and Cultural Centre, added Fogal. The restoration of the budget would be a Town investment with an obvious payback, agreed Councillor Jon Hurst. The vote to restore the HHCR budget lost. Voting for were Fogal, and Councillors Dave Kentner, Moya Johnson, Jon Hurst and Ann Lawlor. Voting against were Bonnette, and Councillors Clark Somerville, Joan Robson, Mike O'Leary, and Bob Inglis. The budget numbers approved do not include the taxpayer-supported dedicated hospital expansion levy, should council approve that sometime later this month. Call me today for an appointment! · Kids to Seniors · Colouring & Foiling · Flexible Hours PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES ·INDIVIDUAL ·COUPLES ·FAMILY COUNSELING ·DEPRESSION ·ANXIETY ·LIFE CHANGES ·CONFLICT MANAGEMENT ·PERSONAL GROWTH 38 OAK STREET, GEORGETOWN ONTARIO 905-873-6871 30 McClure Crt. (across from Dominion Gardens) (905) 873-9393 HTTP://FORGECOACHINGANDCONSULTING.COM INFO@FORGECOACHINGANDCONSULTING.COM Suffering from Depression, Grief, Anxiety? GEORGETOWN OPTIMIST CLUB 13439 Hwy. 7 Georgetown family counsellor wants to help. Every Thursday at 7 pm Feb. 3, 10, 17 & 24 Price $5.00 per Five Game Session (3 Sessions) CASH PRIZES Call 905-877-7166 for details. Profits to stay in Halton for Youth Activities! 3 weeks to a more joyous you! HOPE CONNECTION COUNSELLING SERVICES 416-577-HOPE (4673) hopeconnection@gmail.com