Comrade Miller's New Years Resolution-SCREW THE TAXPAYER

But reward our union buddies and civil servants based on the settlement with firefighters.........

Get ready for tax hikes to hit pocketbooks Toronto desperate for revenue

by ZEN RURYK, CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF

Toronto councillors will bring in the new -- and rely on the old -- when it comes to hitting up city residents for more cash next year.

While approved by cash-strapped city council this year, controversial new taxes and a garbage levy will take affect in 2008.

And there are other ways that city councillors will target residents' pocket books.

"I think there's going to be sudden cheque book stress when (residents) realize these new taxes are coming to their home," Councillor Brian Ashton says.

"They'll come in separate bills, but it'll generally be in support of city services."

City officials will unveil next year's proposed budget on Jan. 28.

Mayor David Miller says that when the budget is finalized, he would like to see next year's residential property tax fall in the range of 3% to 4%.

In addition to a property tax hike, residents will see two controversial levies approved this year become reality in 2008.

A new municipal land-transfer tax will take affect on Feb. 1.

The amount a buyer must pay will increase as the price tag of a home goes up. For example, the tax paid on a $400,000 house will be $3,725. That will increase to $45,725 on a home valued at $2.5 million. First-time buyers will be exempt from paying anything on the first $400,000 of a new or re-sold home.

Drivers will also have to fork over a $60-a-year vehicle registration levy, starting in the fall.

As for other increases, the city intends on hitting up residents for an extra $54 million annually when it imposes a new garbage collection system. Starting Nov. 1, homeowners will be charged based on the size of bin they put at the curb.

Typically, people living in a detached home will dish out an extra $62 a year on top of what they already pay for garbage collection in their property taxes.

Condo and apartment building owners are also targeted for more money under the garbage plan -- typically, by an extra $46 per unit annually.

Included in next year's list of increases is a hike of nearly 9.4% in the cost of water.

The annual water bill levied on an average home -- one that uses 315,000 litres yearly -- will increase by $47, from $500 to $547.