The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Milton's property values going up - What does it mean for property taxes? By IRENE GENTLE The Champion Christmas spending isn't the only thing going up this time of year. With the new provincial current value property asseasments recent- ly mailed out, the value of individ- ual homes may lie rising as well, t Milton councillicard Monday. In a provincial attempt to bring both clanity and faimeas to propertY values, another round of assesa- ments is underway. And in thia go round, the average value of botli Halton and Milton homes lias increased by about 16 per cent. in Milton, that breaks down to a 17 per cent increase for detaclied homes, a 13 per cent increase for condominiums and a 23 per cent increase for farm properties, said Cathy Fanr of tlie Ontario Pmoperty Asseasment Corporation (OPAC). But whetlier those increases add up to hikes in property taxes will depend on a number of factors, said Ms Fanr. "It's complicated liy provincial legislation and what's going to happen to your budgets," she said. "If your budgets remain Uic same, then some properties will decrease-" flrrnhi bel Despite that, value hikes of more than 16 per cent will likely result in higher taxation, said Ms Fanr. But there are options for home- owners who can't easily swallow a dramatic risc in their assessment. "First of ail, they should phone us," said Ms Fanr. OPAC numbers are 1-800-387- 5909 ur (905) 813-9930. These numbers can lie found on the assessment notices. Or residents cao drop by OPAC offices as 6745 Century Ave. in Mississauga. "We're a good deal dloser to Milton than %#e were st sime," said Ms Fanr. But before doing so, she suggest- ed property owners do their home- work. "Before contacting us, I'd recommend they look around as comparable pmperties." If the assessment still seems out of wliack, tic property owner can file a request for reconsideration to OPAC. Whule there are forma available to do so, what's basically needed is the assessment roil number, phone number where the complainant can be reached and the nature of the problem, said Ms Fanf. 'Ibere's no fee for asking us ta reconsider an assessment," she said. "We'll be looking at these d for victims of assault The Halton Rape Criais Centre offers support groupa for women wlio have survived sexual violence. These confidential groupa provide s safe, aupportive. encouraging envi- ronment for women aged 18 years and older to talk about tise issues they face., This free service is facilitated by trained volunteers from a woman- centered, empowermeiit perspective. For mor detaîia, cali 825-3622. PG Delly 6:45 p.m. & 9:00 pc., Sat. à Sun 2:00 pan. SMISS CONGENIALITY P Delly 7:00 p.in.& 905 p.m., Set à Sun. 2:10 p.in. . . . . . . . Theatro Parkng AvaiIbMi et Re4r probably within the fOrst week of the new year." Though a reconsideration can lie Ouled as late as December 31, 2001, there's no point in delaying if the property owner wants to take fur- tber action in the future. That's because there's a spring deadline for actually appealing tihe assessment. "For some reason probably known only to God, an appeal lias to be flied by March 31, 2001," said Ms Fanr. To help residents beat the dlock, OPAC will attempt to respond to ail reconsideration requesta by mid-March. There is a cost attached to flling an appeal, set as $50 for farm or residential properties and more than $100 for commercial and industnial properties. The fee in non-refundable, whiclt irked Councîllor Ron Furik. He believed it should lie returned should the property owner win the appeal. "You've put me into a position where I have to psy money to appeal," lie said. 1"Why don't 1 get it back?" Ms Fanr responded that the fee is administrative and isn't set by OPAC. The Canadien Champion, Friday, Decembêr 22, 2000 - 5 piayi Merry Motoring Dear Patrons, We're proud to know you as our good friends and customners. With sincere appreciation, we say, Thanks and Happy Holidays Holiday Hours Friday Dec. 22 8-4 Thursday Dec. 28 8-6 Saturday Dec. 23 Closed Friday Dec. 29 8-5 Monday Dec. 25 Closed Saturday Dec. 30 Closed Tuesday Dec. 26 Closed Monday Jan. 1 Closed ~New Year's Eve Celebration! <~Corne Celebrate Swith Charley and the gang!. Tinte: 7:30 DJ & Prîzes SChampagne &S Party Favours! Light Buffet! 1; Bafloon Drop! * In advance $30.00 per couple. At the door $20.01 per person. )pIn al WHAT'S ON IN MILTONL ( ) Corne out to the Dog flouse for NEW YEAR'S EVE - Keserve now 55M11»ULIa 971-US 189 Mili Street e 878-680 JOIN 'U' NEW YEAK'S EV f O WELCOME 1001 //ffjIU276 Main St. liail-v' 878-4171 I<i*C. Happy Holidays frorn ail of US ta ali fyau! Celebrate New -I- tïitWJI . Iirn. Year's in Style! -R-eservens Recoumend Hwy. 401 & Guelph Line - Milton/CampbeIIviIO 8542277 Express Lunch: 15 Minutes or FREE A T OT F ITALY UARNEY THE MAGICIAN Offl Evury Wui. fromn 6-9pm 45 ChishoIm Dr. 876-4731 ,Tonlghts 3MDM Knight CaF 9:3Opm - close 270 Main St. E. (905) 876-3780 Crowne HIl New Yar'sEve Festive Holiday menu 575 OnbUo St. 876-1186