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4 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,December 13, 2011 OPTICAL All EYES on Christmas! We hope you can SEE how much we appreciate you. SEE you next year. Serving the community for over 22 years Police seek $5.8M hike in budget By CHRISTINA COMMISSO Metroland Media Group Halton Regional Police are looking for a $5.8 million budget increase in 2012. Police Chief Gary Crowell said, as the region grows, so does the demand for policing. "We're expected to do more for more people," he said during Thursday's administration and finance budget meeting. The 2012 funding request shows a $122.2 million budget. Last year, after Regional council approved a 6.9 per cent police budget hike, the chief was asked to keep future budget increases around the rate of inflation. Coming in with a 3.2 per cent increase for 2012-- and $1.2 million lower than what was forecasted in 2011--did just that. The budget was approved by the committee and was forwarded to the budget review committee before going to Regional council for final approval tomorrow (Wednesday). Compensation is the priciest line item on the budget, making up about 85 per cent of expenses at $109.6 million-- a $6.6 million increase from 2011. Of the increase, $2.3 million is related to contract settlements. The agreement runs until December 31 and awarded wage increases of 9.2 per cent over three years. About $1.5 million is allotted for new hires including 14 uniform officers, one civilian position and five civilian contract positions. Crowell said changes in the justice system have made policing incredibly more complex and time-consuming. "The time spent by police on investigations, court preparations and taking a case through the justice system has skyrocketed." Compared to 30 years ago, he said a break-and-enter charge takes 60 per cent more time, an impaired driving charge takes 250 per cent more time and a domestic violence call takes 960 per cent more time. Crowell said he expects to save about $450,000 through the uploading of court security and prisoner transportation costs from the municipalities to the Province, which begins in April. Halton continues to maintain the lowest officer to population and cost per capita ratios of neighbouring police forces. Professional Eye Exams Arranged · Eyeglasses · · Sunglasses · · Contact Lenses · GEORGETOWN 905-873-3050 BOLTON 905-857-5556 Quality & Vision In Sight www.familyoptical.ca Please visit our new website at www.georgetownbreadbasket.ca: to conveniently make your donation for the holiday season! CHRISTMAS HOURS Open to accept FOOD and MONETARY DONATIONS: Monday, December 19 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tuesday, December 20 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wednesday, December 21 8:30 am - 12:00 noon 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Thursday, December 22 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, December 23 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. - Author Unknown December 2011 The goal of the Georgetown Bread Basket is to continue to make a difference in the lives of people who need assistance. With the help of generous donations from supporters such as you, we will continue to see improvements in the lives of members of our own community. Please accept our heartfelt thanks on behalf of our clients and their families whose Christmas will be a little merrier because of your kind gift. We couldn't do it without you! Merry Christmas and best wishes!! Board of Directors, Georgetown Bread Basket Auto stolen from Kia dealership Halton Police are investigating the theft of a 2012 Kia Sorrento valued at $34,000 from the lot at Georgetown Kia on Guelph St. sometime between Nov. 25 and Fri. Dec. 9. ··· Racist graffiti was spray-painted on the Carpet Barn building and two vehicles parked in the business' lot sometime late Saturday or early Sunday. 55 Sinclair Avenue · Unit 12 · Georgetown · Ontario · L7G 4X4 Phone: 905-873-3368 Charity Reg. # 881229561