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The Canadian Champion, Tueaday, January 20, 2004--9 Budget allows for staff hiring in health department Ifyuwins spot nm raP ai $97.05 compared to last ycar. Based on thai increase, total regional taxes for this year would ring in at $1,803.36 compared to last year's total of $1,706.31. which included a 2 per cent tax hike on regional services. Taxpayers sbould include town property taxes to get the total cost of their bills. The Region accounts for about 42 per cent of a Halton homeowner's property tax bill. The Region's tentative total operating budget for 2004 is sligbtly bigber than $447 million. "The 2004 budget presents a responsible financial plan ihat addresses service priori- ties, responds to legislative requirements, refleets increased rosis and provides ade- quate funding to -support the Region's expanding capital program," stated an overview report from the Region's finan- cial department. Part of the legislative requirements includes paying $36 million this year for pooling, wbicb is a systern, that involves providing funding for Toronto's social services progranis. Pooling bas been a sore point witb politicians. Another key empbasis, tbe report stated, bas been drafting a 2004 budget that ensures Halton's bealtby credit rating. It's set for officiaI approval ai tomor- row's counicil meeting, wbicb starts ai 9:30 ain. at Halton's Bronte Road beadquarters. Sot lai- the protposed budget inctludes i number of initiatives, like: - Hiring 13 staff people for the healtb department to meet, among other things, food safety demanda and to batile emnerg- ing infectious diseases, like West Nule virus. - Expanding rural roadside garage and blue box collection. - Taking over responsibility for roads witb bigher maintenance costs ebrougb a deal brokered with the lower-tier munici- palities lasi year. - Tbe opening of two new long-term care facilities ibis year, one each in Burlington and Oakville, as well as opening ambu- lance centres at those facilities. " Salary and benefit adjustminents for staff. * Ozonation at water treatment plants to better treai drinking water, like in Oakville. Looking strictly at the regional tax levy, politicians are okay witb the bilce. Halton Chair Joyce Savoline said tbe pmoposed hike on regional services and rates are acbieving a key goal -solidifying tbe region's quality of life. "We have a quality of life to maintain in Halton and that is wbat residents bave told us tbrough surveys." said the regional chair. "The beath and safety of our community is our first mandate and we take tbat responsibility very seriously. (These serv- ice enhancements) aren't jusi wants, tbey l II kG 1 WEEK OHLY - JANUARY 19-25 Entire In-Store Stock! VOGUE PATTERNS - ONLY 5.49 EAO Offer valid January 19 25, 2004, while quantities last Not valid with any other discount offers L_ Sale in a~fetoi selecie In-utock saisl marchandiefie a Z 1'i. gaoc, un e qane SLipaai discounts mdl ha appfll to Fahrlcland's origial chain-store prices. Look for te red sale legs. Ail salas final. rim a~ui I ('] 1 1 11 tulai.s reflected isitdus brudgce., "In terrus of the tax base, l'rn relatively comfortable with it. 1 tbink there are sav- ings to, be had in there," said Mr. Wallace, Ncxi . hudgel ci.us. luuC Police, t. proposed to rise 4.3 per cent. 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CaIl us today at 1-866-769-0003 ~ or visit www.tdcanadatrust.com la Canada Trust Banking can b t his comrfortable tMitis ocituer balance and redem n a ntis 250 o rgisee oc r ts un s500 o -regsee oco n P riaedempton must nintin atrouet balance mininums. Raes fitrdî terletio no issiersorv dits ore lnwer tiotishe S-yeir rite und ire set ut titune ni purîhose. Intoeet ts unred bosed ou tie tsui rite, which ierreeses on eoch insiverteel dite. Rotes, ns nf lenemier 17, 20t3, nie, firs yeir. 2.t,, secosd yentr 2.65%, fend yeîe 3. 6%,, uur yenr 3.75%, fil yir: 6,55c lThe offensie sntît 1ied, if fteld fer tise fulil five-yerie terni with compnueded interest, is 3.585o Interner te cnnpîssded îesuîlly tnd pirid te nîtali) ot, ir tire eveer if tedepin, n titi applicablie isnserney dite. Rites îubiect te change ithtentie . F_ 5-Year Stepper GIC