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Waterloo residents to see slight increase on 2002 tax bills reliminary budget figâ€" Pures suggest Waterloo residents could see a manageable increase on their 2002 tax bills. The City of Waterloo‘s finance â€"committee â€" has trimmed its operating budâ€" get to what members call a reasonable figure, and is expected to put forth a 2.9 perâ€"cent increase for city council to approve in mid January. "I think it‘s a reasonably goodâ€"newsâ€"type â€" budget," said Coun. Morty Taylor, the city‘s chairman of finance, describing the tentative increase. "There have been so many competing requests for funding, we‘ve had to look at every area closely. "It‘s a delicate balancing act to maintain certain levels of service, keep taxes at a reasonable level, and deal with the potential for new and creative programs. It‘s pretty tough." Taylor said a number of pressures figure into the increase, including costâ€"ofâ€" living allowances for staff, an increase in utility rates, plans to hire four additional firefighters, and the city‘s annual contribution to RIM Park, which Taylor said accounts for about .9 per cent of the budget. "But I think we‘ve got it By Anpaea Batey _ Chronicle Staff down to about as low as we can go," he said. "Unless we start to bite into programs, service levels, and staff reductions. "I would prefer not to do that, but we‘ll have to see." Taylor said the tentative budget will be presented to council Jan. 14. Final budget approval is expected Jan. 28. _ _ Meanwhile, _ Waterloo regional council is predictâ€" ing a increase close to that of the City of Waterloo for its portion of the tax bill. A potential increase of 2.8 per cent was â€" recently approved in principle at the region, which will see total spending for the municipaliâ€" ty rise to $550 million. The regional finance committee claims the boost in rates will reach a variety of needs, including improving access to child care; investâ€" Crosby Audl ing more money into public transit and public safety; providing firstâ€"class ambuâ€" lance response standards and a significant commitâ€" ment to roads rehabilitation; and increasing the availabilâ€" ity of social housing within the region. "I would call this very good news," said Waterloo Mayor Lynne Woolstencroft, referring to the proposed regional budget. "We‘ve managed to keep it less than the cost of living and the consumer price index, which shows the community that we are watching our nickels and dimes." Woolstencroft agreed a budget process is never easy. "There‘s a lot of juggling and mixing to it," she said. "Meeting the community‘s needs and keeping taxes down is always a challenge." 1369 King Street, St. Jacobs 6 6 4 â€" 3 1 49 (upper level parking at rear) Mon. â€" Sat. 10â€"$:30 Sun. 12â€"5:30 Boxing WEEK SAVINGS 20 â€" 50 NINE WEST, ENZO ANGIOLIN!, FRANCE MODE, HUSH PUPPIES, KENNETMâ€"COLE & mORE www.crosbyvywaudi.com TW alk Sale starts Dec. 26th 10am â€" 5:30 pm Hurry in for best selection 1175 Weber St. E., Kit. 894â€"9300 tquexandria“s This C to great SHOES FOR WOMEN