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The Canadien Champion, Tuesday. September 21, 1999 -3 Utility bill hike could. be . Sup to six per cent in 2000____ By IRENE GENTLE The Champion Expensive capital projects could jack up the Region's 2000 utility bill by almost six per cent, Halton's budget review commit- tee heard recently. But committee voted to whittle that down to a tax freeze instead. Last year, the average homeowner shelled out about $407 for water and wastewater services. But financial staff estimate that capital projects could swell that by a margin of haîf a per cent 10 almost six per cent. That would balloon the bills 10 somewhere between $409 and $430. The rate budget is expected 10 be appmoved by late November. Différent options Staff arrived at the meeting armed with a proposai 10 draw up a budget showing a three per cent increase, with options 10 shave that down to a tax freeze. The committee quickly tumed that around 10 recom- mend a tax freeze with an option 10 increase at the rate of inflation (around two per cent). Expenses related t0 work on the Skyway sewage treatiment plant, plant and equipment maintenance and systemrs operation would be oesponsible for the added budget pressures in the coming year, said a staff report. But councillors should understand what projecîs are being left out of a tax-trimming budget, said Joe Rinaldo, Halton's finance commissioner. He asked for permission 10 prepare a list of the nec- essary projects and bri ng il back with a budget follow- ing council's directions. "It is important that we identify needs and if you elect 10 go 10 zero, that is a policy decision," hie said. 'Thse requirementa are as much as six per cent." Councillors should know the consequences of the budget they endorse, agreed Halton Chair Joyce Savoline. 'I think il is a staff decision to put it before us and a political decision what 10 do with il," she said. "We don't want staff making the political decisions." Bringing in a Iow or no tax increase may bd-politi- cally savvy, but not at thse cost of leaving ouI ;imýpor- tant projects, said Oakville Councillor-Kathy (eraham. 'I don't have any problem with the rate of inflation. I think tIsat is an admirable way 10 go," she said. "But Fax your Dateline. lisings to 8784943. Tise deadliheï Tuesday 's paper Is F> yat no(rn, Wed»esdUat noon for, t4 e Fra ypaÉer. Né- phone-in items, please. FINO YOURSELI IN TH1E RESERV Here's an opporiuniiy in mcci someone wiili dcpîh and knowledgc yon mîy soi have had the privilege of knowiîg hefore. Yoirself. la the Reverve. yen discover morc of whai yoî'cc madc ef by masîering icw challenges. Yen work sclecied evenings and wcekends, mcci people wiih similar inierests, leamt wih hands-on experieicc. and carn part-urne income. Find yone truc potenial. Jeun in! The Lame Scota (Peel, Dufferin and Halion) Regiment 90 Thomas St., Oakville, ON 844-0604 or 1-800-856-8488 www.dndca j., ~ ~ ~ m un MEU UNIKN I think we have a oesponsibility." Asking for a budget to corne in at a certain rate is just playing with numbers, said Qakville Councillor Keith Bird. "So what we'1l end up saying is here is the rate of inflation that we picked out of the.air because it gaves us a warm, fuzzy feeling," hie said. "We're playing a political game here." Bird stresses quality Il is crucial that the Region maintains a top quahity water system, said an irritated-sounding Mr. Bird "We'oe playing a littie bit of a mug's game. At the end of the day, it has to be done," hie said. 'l'Il be sup- porting a budget that reflects the needs of supporting a first-rate water system." But "sustaining a system isn't the saine as adding 10 il," observed Burliniton Councillor John Taylor. "The added mornes would be for growth factors, not maintenance," hie said. Residents should understand the value of Halion's water system, said Ms Savoline. "One thing we may have done in the past is under- played to the residents and set a false expectation of what il really costs," she said. "Moaybe it is lime for a reality check. I think people have to understand the business that we are in." Volunteers are needed The North Halton Ltteracy Gutld is now oeccuiting volunteers to help adults improve their reading, wnit- ing and basic math skilîs. If you can spare sorte lime 10 help out, please regis- ter for the faîl tramning program at 873-2200. OIL FURNACE SALE m.$100 Off a 12 Months No lnterest or; m 4.9% Financing (Up to 5 Years) à.5 Years Furnace Maintenance Plan (Value of over $650) a FREE Thermostat CoIsCt AEUW rowun miho on al ymo hoatn oi purchaw&s CO now to becom a colector. fl'S FREE. 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