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Taxtension > The Canadlaani Champion, 'Tuùèday, March 2, 1997--S the attîentioyn of resideints who want good policing with- out an increase in taxes. 'Thse average guy and girl in the community, how do you get around the apathy so 1 don't have to go back to them next year and say 'because of your non-involve- ment, your taxes are going to go up?"' he asked. Taxes have historically been a sore point between council and the police force. Though councillors are in favor of a strong police ser- vice, they frequently balk at being asked to hike proper- ty taxes in order to get it. lIn particular, they have questioned if a cop car could be driven through the holes in the police theory that officer hiring should follow a police-to-population ratio. "Mis year, the force is asking council to approve a $45.92 million budget, up $2.4 million from 1998. That represents a 5.7 per cent increase in the budget. or a 4.6 per cent increase in the police services portion of a residential property tax bill for the owner of a $185,000 home. As Halton swells in population by tnp to three per cent a year, it bas been argued that the police-to-people ratio model could conceivably lead to a doubling of the police budget every decade. It is hoped tise review will manage to seule thse ongo- ing debate. Halton HuIs Mayor Marilyn Serjeantson asked for reassurance that aIl altemnatives would be explored in the review. "I think it's really important to see how we can do tbings diffeoently regardless of any constraints present," ase said. "Things change. If tisose thinga aren't identi- fied, I don't tisink we're spendmng our money well." AIl options, including part-time policing. should be analyzed, said Oakville Councillor Keitis Bird. "You have a service now tisat basically bas a 12-hour shift," he said. "Are tisere opportunities for part-time policing? If it's going 10 be meaningful, it bas to be considered." II 'The sensible way to buy a car or truck IEHBO SULESHNOURS SERVICE HOURS C E R L T O D M B L Frlday ..... ..J n>-@ Tues ...... M 11 Saturday ...... àfmSaturday .....$&$ HWY 25 S. AT DERRY RD., MILTONI