Regional councillors approved a strongly worded resolution asking the province to provide municipalities with a full accounting of any new programs or program enhancements, as well as an explanation of why it was funding the new programs in light of its policy of fiscal restraint. "It‘s very frustrating to be conâ€" fronted with this Social Contract legâ€" islation when we have a labor governâ€" ment which is disregarding fiscal restraint and paying for new and enhanced programs on the back of its employees. It‘s unconscionable to do," Brechin said. Burlington regional councillor Bob Brechin was speaking for all members of council when he expressed the frustration faced by municipalities dealing with reduced provincial grants and Social Contract legislation. In so doing, however, council made it clear it wasn‘t pleased with the move, in light of the New Democratic Party‘s policy of funding new programs while preaching fiscal restraint to municipalities. Fâ€"alton Regional Council relucâ€" | tantly voted to slash $5â€"milâ€" k. lion from its 1993 budget to offset provincial governmentâ€" imposed cutbacks during a special meeting held last Thursday. By SAL BOMMARITO Oakville Beaver Staff Region trims $5â€"M to meet social contract deadline Basement Water Control Our customers save up to 50% over other methods No digging inside or outside Finished or unfinished basement Licensed, bonded, insured Transferable lifetime guarantee VISA MasterCard accepted 125 Cross Ave. Trafalgar Village 844â€"2668 p BJ !"'7 h m ///- # _ Burke explained expenditure reductions will be made in the areas of supplies, materials, equipment and some services. In the area of payroll reductions, Burke said an additional John Burke, the region‘s Chief Administrative Officer, explained the target was exceeded by $800,000 to provide a contingency fund in the event of further reductions as well as to cushion the impact on next year‘s budget. o "We usually have a $600,000 surâ€" plus which is passed on to the next year‘s budget. We could be faced with not having that surplu‘s or we could take some additional reductions today," he said. Along with the resolution, council also approved a $1.9â€"million reduction in expenditures, $2.2â€"million in Social Contract reductions to its workâ€" force and an additional $800,000 in reductions in excess of its reduction target. Of the total reductions, about $2 million are expected to come from Halton Regional Police Services. "It‘s a reaffirmation of what (Halton) has said in the past, that we like to be consulted and we want to see the bottom line," said Oakville Mayor Ann Mulvale. We want to be true.partners, not subject to the parental ‘We will do‘ mentality." "We have to have every: block of Ontario asking the same question," said Halton Hills regional councillor Marilyn Serjeantson. The region also hopes to realize some of the reductions through reduced child care costs and by reâ€" examining some of its "discretionary" programs it now provides, Social Service Commissioner Bonnie Ewart said. Halton Regional administrative building will also be closed for an Council also voted to slash $17,500 from councillors‘ 1993 budâ€" get, which included money earâ€" marked for conferences, official funcâ€" tions and travel expenses. Burke explained the region will only cut funding to the CAS if the province decides to do so. Under provincial legislation, the region must fund 20% of the CAS‘s annual costs, Another casualty of the cuts will be the Household Hazardous Waste Program in Burlington, through conâ€" solidation with other programs in the region. However, Burke said the region will attempt to accommodate the three employees in other departments if possible to avoid any layoffs. Social service agencies will be hard hit by a 2.2% reduction in regional grants this year, and an addiâ€" tional 1.3% reduction next year, with the exception of the Children‘s Aid Society. 41 fullâ€"time vacancies will be elimiâ€" nated, which may result in three layâ€" offs. The businesses in Downtown Oakville pride themselves on delivering unbeatable customer service. Come experience the tradition of personal service that can only be delivered by the collection of individually owned businesses in Downtown Oakville. Don‘t Forget... FREE SATURDAY PARKING in all MUNICIPAL LOTS (excluding the parking garage) and free parking throughout downtown every Sunday and evenings after 6:00 p.m. additional three days during the periâ€" od between Christmas and New Year, resulting in a 10â€"day shutdown, including declared holidays. With the exception of: those employees performing essential serâ€" vices, each employee will be asked to take three vacation days or leave without pay to cover the three days which fall during the holiday period. Burke said savings of around $50,000 would result from not using the regional buildings, equipment and supplies during the 10 day period. DR. JONATHAN LAPP, m.0., c.c.F.P. FULL FAMILY MEDICINE INCLUDES OBSTETRICS is pleased to announce the opening of his FAMILY PRACTICE in association with DR. GEORGE SOUTHEY, M.D., C.C.F.P. DR. MARGARET FOUND, M.D., C.C.F.P. DR. ANASTASIA SKY, M.D. ° and New Patients Welcome 465 Morden Road Oakville, ON _ L6K 3W6 Full Hospital Priviledges at Oakvilleâ€"Trafalgar Memorial Hospital 24 Hrs. Emergency Coverage Dorval Medical Pharmacy Free Delivery. All Drug Plans Honoured Mon. to Thurs.â€" 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Fri. â€" 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sat. â€" 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon "We will continue to practise restraint on our own as well," he said. Burke said the task was made easiâ€" er because the region has exercised economic restraint on its own in the past. On what impact the cuts would have, Burke said, "We wanted to minâ€" imize the impact on services and existing staff, as well as meet the standards set out in the. Social Contract. At the same time, we also wanted to ensure the liability of the region."