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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-02-25, Page 32PAGE 32. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016. County approves three per cent tax levy increase By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Council passed its budget last week with a three per cent increase to the tax levy. Treasurer Michael Blumhagen outlined the final draft of the budget at council's Feb. 17 committee of the whole meeting, saying that much of the work on the budget had been completed as a result of council's special session on Feb. 4. The proposed three per cent increase would result in an increase of $1.089 million to the budget, which comes after nearly $750,000 had been injected into the budget from the county's levy stabilization fund. Blumhagen said the average Huron County resident will see an increase of $4.27 to their 2016 tax statement on the average single family home in the county, valued at $195,000. On the county's average farm, valued at $544,300, taxes will rise by $47.59 in 2016. Several councillors, including Bluewater Mayor Tyler Hessel and Goderich Deputy -Mayor Jim Donnelly, stated that they'd like to see the proposed tax increase reduced even further. Donnelly said that since the money in the levy stabilization fund has been collected from Huron County ratepayers over the years, he would have liked to see it used further to reduce the increase to between 2.6 or 2.7 per cent. Blumhagen said he appreciated Donnelly's sentiments, but reiterated that nearly $750,000 from the fund was being used in this year's budget. As a result, Blumhagen said, just under $630,000 is left in the fund going forward. Councillors voted to approve the budget, putting in motion the schedule to officially approve the budget. Chief Administrative Officer Brenda Orchard said the notice to approve the 2016 budget will be on the table at council's March 2 meeting, with final approval set for a special council meeting set for March 9. Up and over Central Huron Secondary School was the site of the annual public school volleyball tournament for several local schools on Feb. 16 including Hullett Central Public School. Both the boys and girls volleyball teams travelled to Clinton to prove they had the best players. Shown above is Jamie Pritchard volleying the ball while teammate Avery Boven watches. Cheering from the stands are Myea Fleet, left, and Alaina Poland. (Denny Scott photo) Loading up The Blyth Lions Club held its popular snow volleyball tournament on Saturday, despite unseasonably warm temperatures and it was well attended. The tournament, which has been named for former residents Blake Hesselwood and John Bokhout, raised funds for the maintenance of the Lions Park in Blyth. (vickyBremnerphoto) Cook up something great with your family tonight. We have a great selection of recipe books to get you started. TAKE A TOUR THROUGH HURON COUNTY KITCHENS Dozens of cooks donated hundreds of recipes for this cookbook published to support and honour the 2017 International Plowing Match at Walton. Recipes for everything from appetizers to pickles. $15.00 (tax included) 125 Rest ' CASSEROLES & ONE -POT \ll.us 125 BEST CASSEROLE & ONE -POT MEALS Tips and recipes for hearty and tasty one -pot meals — everything from pot pies to casseroles. Beef, pork, Iamb, chicken, seafood, there are recipes for whatever your taste, even vegetarian. $19.95 FARMER'S COOKBOOK A 6xcx rfl IRAsTO: Mnaee W. LAWRENCE the complete Game _. cookbook 125 best Indoor Grill recipes LANA S MON 125 BEST INDOOR GRILL RECIPES With an indoor electric grill you can continue to cook interesting grilled meals year long. These recipes include everything from chicken and seafood to burgers, steaks and chops. Enjoy a whole new way of cooking. $19.95 THE FARMER'S COOKBOOK Cook your way through 12 months of recipes for delicious plain and simple country cooking. Also contains pages of old-fashioned household tips, a harvest guide and recipes for making cheese and curing meat. $29.95 THE COMPLETE WILD GAME COOKBOOK Enjoy expert advice on preparation and cooking of game birds and animals – from goose and pheasant to moose, bison and wild boar – as well as recipes for complementary marinades, stocks and sauces. 165 recipes in all. $39.95 413 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 125 BEST GROUND MEAT RECIPES Ground meats are economical, tasty and versatile. This book gives tips and recipes on how to use everything from beef, turkey, chicken, pork and Iamb to veal for burgers, meat loaves, casseroles, meat pies and more. $19.95 the \Arr Jim 5 THE CLUELESS BAKER More than 100 tried and tested baking recipes as well as the basic know-how needed for a novice to take up baking. Recipes and instructions for breads, muffins, biscuits, cookies, cakes, pies and other pastries. Gluten free and whole-wheat recipes. $16.95 150 BEST GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES Make grilled cheese sandwiches into an exciting meal with combinations of different cheeses and additional ingredients, both meats and meatless. Recipes for breakfasts and brunches, appetizers, even desserts. $24.95 See these and other books at... 150 best grilled cheese sandwices 411111ftl, 541 Turnberry St., Brussels The Citizen 519-887-9114