14 - The .m CaaenCampion, Frlday, May 7, 19 Ne t found' money gives r~euç~towTn council more options By IRENE GENTLE The Champion A dloser look at Town finances has revealed tisat tisere may be more money in the operasing budget's piggy bank tisan originally expected, says treasurer Jim McQueen. "The bottom line is it's even better," hie told the Town' s administration and planning committee recently. The announcement came after that commîttee approved an $8.2 million operating budget. Tisat translated into a one per cent increase on the average tax levy. That budget has yet to be approved by counicil. flic new figures may allow staff to retum to counicil witis a tax freeze. A modeat 77 per cent increase in assessment growth caused Uic financial departmnent to be conservative in budget estimates, said Mr. McQueen. However, a sisift in wiscre tisat growth took place has poured more money than expected into the Town, hie said. "Wben you analyze where that toek place, it sbifted away froin the Iower tax categories to thse higher tax rate categories," hie said. 'So altisougs thse actual assessment growth rate was .77 per cent, thie dollar value was $185,000. That's far more tisai I ansticipat- ed." Wisat has isappened is that non-residential properties that were empty in 1998 are now occupied, creating a isigher assessment base. Tise Town's financial depart- ment was also pleasantly surprised to learn that Halton Region is asking for less money in taxes from Milton. "They're asking for approximately $154,000 less tisan last year," said Mr. McQueen. The resuit is tise Town has approximately $278,000 more to play with. "We can add about $278,000 to thc levy and stili have a zero per cent increase for ail tax classes," said Mr. McQueen. 'Tisat's what staff will be working on." se. TOWN on page 26 ... ... 8 - 5 mr IT'S WEETHE JBARE! WHAT DO You. NEED? eEmployment Opportunities & Information 0Job Postings EducatIonai 1 Skilis 1ipgrading Opportunities & Information 0Roseurce Assistance eCarsor Rosourcos: and Information WORLD 0F WORKT lIAS 1T A . BR1N1 COPIES 0F YGIJR RESUME! REE ADMISSION! Comîing tonne Glen Abbey Recreation Centre May i19/20th Buihngtm PO T1mQOtVRULEBAVER cOntario Canadâ -I by Neil Simon Direcfed by Paftricia Adams DINNER THEATRE May 8 & 15, 1999 Bar opens 6:30 pm - Dînner 7:30 pmi Curtain 8:45 pmn $30.00 per person, includes Dinner & Show SHOW ONLY May 7, 12, 13 & 14, 1999 Doors open 7:30 pmn - Curtain 8:00 pmn $1 0.00 Presented at the Milton Seniors Activity Centre 500 Childs Drive, Milton (Located across from Mail) For more information please cati 905-875-0629 Praduced by speciat arrangement with Samuel French Canada Ltd. Betare ii waa hip ta be grena. Darte Iinmted Canada was cammntied ta savin5 habitat trmm mes ta coast Now tha bearg grena ta ever'f ana's caaoem, au jab as mare hmpailantt tham ever Vie need yaar help ta cmaints wet- lands sait pramaots a heatthy, sustainabte enviaaineiut far peapte and wtitNe Be grues 5tda' lens easy. Support tDocks ttnh1tl Dax5s Ltàr.ed Car"t 1-ena en5-aura Produosi by: CobMMeiJ5Id2ONS INC. *_ HumaS Ressues Devetsppea'Ci'C des hamates Canit 0 1 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 905-634-7736 TOLL FREE 1*877*250,4556