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5 np economist suntribune york region saturday april 14 2001 region starts putting lid on hiring wwwyorkregioncem from page 1 urn and richmond markham councillors had asked the development industry to approve a voluntary levy to raise nearly 21 million for the work but when they refused the region was left responsible for the entire tab surprisingly the region cut developers a break in february reducing a planned increase in residen tial development charges by 105 11 per cent less than the maximum amount allowed in the development charges act the 93million balance of the tax increase will go to york regional police for 41 new officers and enhance ments to the regions transit and transportation initia tives we knew police and emergency services needed to expand because they are essential services said alan wells the regions chief administrative officer the region operates and directs one of the most effi cient government operations in the province of ontario our costs are the lowest of all 2001 york region budget gross expenditures 2000 2001 capital programs 2580 m 3393 m regional operations 3672 m 4050 m police services 923m 1005 m pooling 837m 858 m go transit 134m 145 m property assessment 91 m 93 m sub total regional services 8237 m 9544 m hospital capital funding 0 73 m total 8237 m 9617 m municipalities in the gta the region also jacked its rates for wastewater up a penny to 3789 cents per cubic metre water rates remain unchanged at 4134 cents each cubic metre the budget includes an increase of 31 million due to economic pressures such as higher snow clearing costs road maintenance contracts and fuel charges another 38 million is needed to handle new transit and social housing responsi bilities while 38 million pays for increases for police and protective services the region also approved 267 new employees however markham mayor don cousens worked with wells to cut six new hires from 22 planned for the finance department in addi tion the finance committee will begin studying the effects of freezing staff levels by the end of the year we have to begin to put the lid on hiring in the future cousens said we are doing well but we have to do it even better but markham regional councillor gord landon said a recession is coming and a two or threeyear plan is needed to keep spending in check rather than slack hack and burn we have to develop a policy that makes us even more efficient he said a final word of warning to area residents tax hikes will be commonplace for the next three years regional officials are already forecasting another 45percent tax jump next year and another 55 per cent in 2003 easter dinner fresh ham roast lamb poached salmon salad bar desserts sunday april 15th 4ttyie 4 eatery vniyoekrbgibncbm jspbuc treats cfob call for reservation 6402 main st stouffville 6408858 solutions in sight vision aids for mild to severe vision loss caused by macular degeneration glaucoma diabetic retinopathy cataracts dr h walji optometry practice dnesriaiprir ith loo700pm ashgrove medical centre 6633hwy7 ste 104 markham 905 4713937 llnionville skating club v sews crosby arena april 20i8pm april 2lu3pm and 7 pm april 22 vi2pm birk n ben ferreira 2001 canadian bronze medalist ill in crjfit dodds garage door system inc fv ki h 90s 5086277 gar ag a mm i as all tickets 1 5 and seating is limited call the information line at 905 4773294