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Thn rCanadian Chamnian. Tuesdav. Januarv 13. 2004--3 Region looking to change costiy tax pooiîng system By JASON MISNER The Champion By spring, Halton Region's top finance experts expect to have ready a report with recommenda- tions that could help local taxpay- ers keep sorne rnoney they pay into a Toronto poolmng systern. But ultimately any change to this systern that involves helping Toronto pay for social services will need provincial governrnent approval. Jane MacCaksill, Halton's treas- urer and cornrnissioner of corpo- rase services, said the Region does- n't feel pooling is an "appropriate measure" to assist Toronto ini deal- mng witb legitirnate social service needs. The report will attempt to corne up with alternatives that could be brought to the Province. "Halton can't irnplement a uni- lateral position," Ms MacCaskill sald. "(Pooling is) not the best way 10 deal with the issue of social assistance prograrns." Halton doesn't receive a single penny from the pooling systern. A status report will corne before councillors next month. 'Me for- mer Tory govermunent created pool- ing to help Toronto pay for down- loaded social services when the city was ainalgamated in 1998. Pooling has been a huge fmnan- cial bit for the Region. Halton bas paid $230 million since pooling was created five years ago. The pooling report was asked for by regional council in late 2002, particularly in cesponse to the City of Hamilton's expressed interest of receiving pooling dollars. There's concen that if another municipally gels money from the pooling system, il will be a further drain on Ballon taxpayers. "There is no question there will be an irnpact," Ms MacCaskill said. "Mathernatically there's no way tbere can't be." Ms MacCaskill sald it's taken awbîle to complete the report because of tbe fmnancial complexi- ties and tbe desire to ensure corn- nmides like York and Peel regions - who psy into pooling - bave tiine 10 comment on it. "Tbere's no question that York and Peel have been asking the Province to review is." Ms MacCaskill said a change in the funding system by lirniting the strain on the property tax bill "1could have a major impact. It's a major fmnancial issue we need to deal with." Halton Chair Joyce Savoline has been outspoken against pooling, and took a shot at it during her inaugural speech last month. lIn it she said, "Halton docs bene- fit directly from a beaithy Toronto and a healty Hamiltnn," hut thse systemn is no longer sustainable and has started to undermine Balton's quality of life. Oakvitle Mayor Anis Mulvale was happy to hear Ms Savoline address pooling, and is hoping the irnpending staff report leads to a more fair funding system. Ms Mulvale said part of the problem is some Halton residents, contrary to what some may think, are experiencing financial difficul- ties. "There are people who are barely holding onto tbeir bornes," she said, noting abe was executive director of the United Way in Oakville in the mid '80s. Halton politicians, she said, rec- ognize the pressure Toronto is under to accommodate down- loaded social service programs. That's why cbanging the pooling systern isn't about Halton railing against Toronto but a statemnent that there's a systemnie problen witb bow the pooling systemn bas been designed, sbe said. "They bave legiturnate revenue needa. What we're saying is tbat these services should be funded by other revenue streamns," she said, like through sales taxes. The 2004 budget forecast shows that a typical Halton household will psy $194 for GTA pooling. TMat money takes away from meeting other needs, Ms Mulvale said. Jason Misner can be reached at jmisner@miltoncanadianchampi- on.com. Hurry Ini fOr Best 8eleetion ONLY 13 Vehfiee reimaining,! -Don?' Mios Out on This Amazin4 Offer' 1Natural Grain Bread Cut*i Ne Fat or Suber IIgast Bosi or .88/100 g F'u.uu EU Salor 77/00 g Rogular Store Hours Friday 8:30 am - pm Saturdoy 8:30 amn - 6 Pm Sunday 9:00am- 5 ps,