User fees to climb 3 per cent

User fees for Town of Halton Hills services will go up an average three per cent in 2007. Business licensing fees, however, will remain unchanged and will not see any increase until at least 2010. Jake Adema, Jake's Auto Service spoke about the business licensing fees, reminding council that the fees were frozen until the business licensing committee met with local businesses to discuss the perceived unfair treatment and structure of the fees. For example, some businesses pay yearly while others only a one-time fee. So far, he said, no meeting has taken place. Mayor Rick Bonnette said he appointed the new business licensing committee for 2007 and the issue will be reviewed in January or February. Adema just cautioned that the committee should hear from all businesses before making any changes. Last year, the committee made changes to business licensing policy before taking it to the public. Generally user fees will increase by 3 per cent in the following departments: Administration, Engineering and Public Works and Building Services, Finance, Fire and Planning and Development. However, Planning and Development plans to submit a report in early 2007 recommending a number of changes to its fees. The Recreation and Parks Department will increase the majority of its fees by 3-5 per cent with the exception of swimming and skating admission fees, which will remain unchanged. However, fees for sports field lighting has been increased by 12 per cent due to hydro fee increases. Groups are required to pay the full cost of hydro used for lighting. As well there will be a 10 per cent increase ($1.44/hour) in fees for adults using a Major field. For details on 2007 user fees go to the Town's website, www.haltonhills.ca.