It looks like Hamilton politicians may have completed their 2008 budget after some fits and starts to deliberations that began in January.

Council made noise last week that it was prepared to approve the budget for the first time before April. But determined a few issues still had to be settled before giving their final thumbs up for the budget.

So far in this year's budget, homeowners are facing an average tax increase of about 3.8 per cent.

Stoney Creek residents are poised to pay an additional 3.2 per cent in property taxes, with Glanbrook residents staring at a three per cent increase, Dundas residents a 2.9 per cent hike and Hamilton a 3.8 per cent increase.

Flamborough residents are expected to pay, yet again, the highest increase at 5.5 per cent, while Ancaster residents will see a 4.6 per cent increase.

Last year, councillors approved in a 9-6 vote a 3.4 per cent average tax increase. Ancaster residents had a 3.77 per cent tax hike, while Dundas homeowners endured a 3.46 per cent increase. Hamilton residents living in the former city paid on average, 3.48 per cent more.

"We have made significant strategic investments in this budget," said Joe Rinaldo, corporate services general manager.

He pointed out the city has spent about $12 million for land ambulance service, economic development, transit and maintenance on the Red Hill Valley Parkway and Highway 6.

Hamilton also received this year, $12 million from the provincial government to cover its yearly social services expenses. If the city had not received the funding, the average tax increase could have been in the six per cent range.

Still, this year, a similar number of councillors could reject the budget as in 2007.

Ancaster councillor Lloyd Ferguson has said he won't support what he called an "unacceptable" five per cent tax hike for his residents. And depending on what councillors decide on some crucial issues, the budget numbers and some suburban politicians' votes could change.

Politicians will be deciding whether to eliminate area rating for the estimated $4 million in slot revenues. Under the Hamilton Act, the bulk of this money goes to Flamborough.

Flamborough received about $3 million in 2007 with Ancaster getting $500,000 and the rest of the city receiving about $268,000. Urban councillors are arguing area rating for the slot revenues should be eliminated this year, meaning Flamborough residents could wake up to a 10 per cent tax hike on their property tax bills.

Councillors will also have to determine whether to approve city staff salary increases and to include about $455,000 in parking revenues in the budget.

The revenues are from the meter rate increases the city is expected to implement this year. But council has not made a decision.

A consultant's report, which is expected to recommend higher meter rates from the current 50 cents to $1 or $1.25 is scheduled to be presented to councillors later this month.