HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2016-03-09, Page 66 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, March 9, 2016
The 2016 budget is balanced, but with stability comes cuts and increases
Municipal levy rises
to 15 per cent
Shaun Gregory
Huron Expositor
When the cuts begin for budget
season, the strategic maneuvering
of funds can be like pulling teeth,
but after a few juggles, jumps and
hurdles, Huron East's treasurer/
finance manager, Paula Michiels
said the budget is balanced.
"I think we are through the hard-
est part, the most (difficult) part
was cutting that first draft of $2.5
million, that was hard to swallow,"
explained Michiels after recently
finishing the second draft of the
municipalities budget plan.
"Before we even start, we are
behind in the game from the year
before, in order to stay revenue
neutral, we needed to raise the
municipal levy to 15.4 per cent, just
to keep neutral from 2015."
She also went on to say that it was
not including any of the inflation
area expenses or any shifts in fund-
ing, from one year to the other. In
addition they are facing the signifi-
cant province -wide decreases from
the Ontario Municipal Partnership
Funds (OMPF). This year, Huron
East was shafted once again when
they were unsuccessful in acquiring
an application from the Ontario
"Before we even start, we are behind in the
game from the year before, in order to stay
revenue neutral, we needed to raise the
municipal levy to 15.4 per cent, just to keep
neutral from 2015,"
— Stated Huron East's treasurer/ finance manager, Paula Michiels
Community Infrastructure Fund
(OCIF) that had granted them
$170,000 the year before.
To maintain a sense of balance
with numerous shortages of
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finances as mentioned before, the
Public Works received the largest
downfall. Michiels confirmed that
a backhoe and one -ton which are
to some extent needed will be cut
from 2016's budget. As it stands,
the council requested a 9.9 overall
levy increase, a number that made
the leveling out possible. And to
make matters worse for the rate-
payers, the average Huron East res-
idential assessment will go from
$128 to $204 annually.
April 5 is the set date for the
political gang to potentially pass
the budget where some minor revi-
sions will be made followed by a
discussion.
I'm hopeful we will pass it, I'm
not really sure, I did provide in the
second draft an option to pull some
money from reserves, however that
didn't seem to be well received by
council."
Shaun Gregory
At a Huron East council
meeting March 1, the
second draft of the
budget was completed,
along with that came
cuts and increases.
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You are invited to attend these area churches
ST. THOMAS ANGLICAN
21 Jarvis St., Seaforth
Church Office 519-527-1522
holyspirit@tcc.on.ca
The Rev. Lynn Mitchell Interim Priest
Wed. March 9 - Parish Council meets in
Clinton 7pm
Sat. March 12 - Meditative Lenten Activity
Walk the Labyrinth 10am-noon
Sun. March 13 - 5th Sunday in Lent
Worship at 9:30am
Tues. March 15 - Congregational Council
meets 1:30pm
Everyone Welcome
EGMONDVILLE UNITED CHURCH
Worship Leader Theresa Kolkman
Worship March 13th
10:30 a.m.
Youth Sunday School
with Steve Hildebrand
10:30 a.m.
Everyone is welcome
For more information view our website in
www.egmondvilleunitedchurch.com
BETHEL BIBLE CHURCH
An Associated Gospel Church
126 Main St. Seaforth
519-527-0982
Interim Pastor:
Rev. Laurie Morris
& Barry Hawkins
Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m.
Sunday School for all ages 9:45 a.m.
TUESDAY EVENINGS: Youth Groups
Junior & Senior High 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club 7 p.m.
Wednesdays 7 p.m.
Mens & Womens Bible Study
L5- EVERYONE WELCOME
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
59 Goderich St. W. Seaforth
519-527-0170
Lorrie Mann -Organist
Sunday Worship
March 13, 11:00 am
Communion
Guest Minister:
Rev. Major Dwight Nelson
Sat. March 19 5:30pm
St. Patrick's Day Potluck & Social
Sunday School
Nursery Provided as Needed
(, ALL WELCOME