The Citizen, 2013-06-27, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013. Continued from page 7status, with all rights, privileges andduties formerly held therein.”
In his interview with The Citizen
following his announcement,
Barnim says the move to de-
amalgamate is not due to services,
but due to the cost of services.
“It’s not that we’re not receiving
what we need,” Barnim says, “we’re
just paying too much for it.”
He said that costs are going to
continue to escalate as well, saying
that even though costs are high right
now, they will continue to rise.
He says that since 2005, GoderichTownship has only receivedimprovements in three of those eight
years. However, when taxes are
broken down, because of high
assessment in Goderich Township,
the ward pays over 50 per cent of the
municipality’s taxes, leaving
approximately 45 per cent to be split
between Clinton and Hullett
Township.
In the 2013 budget, Barnim says,
Goderich Township will pay just
under 55 per cent per cent of the
municipality’s budget. Clinton will
pay around 26 per cent and Hullettwill pay about 19 per cent. Barnimsays Goderich Township’s portion is
actually down from over 56 per cent
in past budgets.
In the 2013 budget, Barnim said
that aside from standard services, the
only additional service Goderich
Township will see just over $30,000
in improvements to the Holmesville
Hall, despite the ward’s input.
He does, however, say that not all
of the issues facing Goderich
Township are tied to amalgamation,
noting that a lot of it has to do with
high assessment in the formertownship as well. He said that ahouse worth $150,000 in Clinton, if
moved to a lakeside, or ‘second row’
lot in Goderich Township, would be
worth between $450,000 and
$800,000.
Before amalgamation, Barnim
says, staff numbers were lower. He
says that among Central Huron’s
three highest staff members, over
$250,000 is being paid out on an
annual basis, which would have
covered Goderich Township’s entire
staff roster prior to amalgamation.
Of the municipality’s multi-
million-dollar budget now, Barnim
says, the majority of ratepayers’
dollars goes to pay wages, a large
change from the pre-amalgamation
days.
If Goderich Township were to
return to its own governance,
Barnim says, not much would have
to change. The former municipal
office and public works shed are all
still intact and in good shape, the
only change would be that staff
would have to be hired, but it would
be a fraction of those on staff in
Central Huron.
“There have been so many
changes that we can’t afford,” he
says.
One thing Barnim says he wanted
to be clear about was that Goderich
Township de-amalgamating from
Central Huron wouldn’t necessarily
stick Clinton and Hullett residents
with debt, but that the move would
be good for all involved.
As a councillor, Barnim says he
has told council that spendingcouldn’t continue and thatalternatives need to be sought for
various problems throughout the
municipality.
One of those solutions, he says, is
to realign water pipes to help cut
costs, something that is being done
in Toronto.
“So it’s good enough for Toronto,
but not for Clinton?” he asks.
While Barnim has worked to
circulate the idea, as well as the
petition, he is hoping to officially
launch his plan at a town hall
meeting in late July, or early August.
His hope, with the timing, is that he
will attract many of Goderich
Township’s seasonal residents.
He’s currently working on
breaking down the taxation and cost
numbers and having those exact
figures ready for that meeting.
“I just want people to know that
it’s not just me, it doesn’t just affect
one person,” he said.
As a councillor, Barnim says, he
has access to figures that the
majority of residents don’t get to
see, so he wants to make sure
everyone knows about the taxation
and the cost and what amalgamation
has cost residents of Goderich
Township.
If anyone is interested in signing
the petition, or for more information,
call Barnim at 519-482-5371,
519-955-2515 or e-mail him at
brian.barnim@gmail.com He is
planning on setting up an
informational website on the issue in
the near future.
De-amalgamation better for everyone: Barnim
A shock to the system
The Blyth United Church Choir was out to shock and entertain guests at the church’s roast
beef supper Friday night as they fulfilled one of their long-time goals: a flash mob. Director
Floyd Herman explained to the crowd the choir had always wanted to execute a flash mob on
an unsuspecting crowd and Friday night was the night. The dinner was “disrupted” by Granny
Annie Pasqually, left, who picked choir members from the crowd for a musical performance.
The choir then performed for those in attendance, even singing a specially-written song with
lyrics inspired by the night’s Festival play Dear Johnny Deere. It was a special treat as the
play’s star J.D. Nicholsen happened to be at the church enjoying some dinner. (Shawn Loughlin
photo)
We’re getting there
Construction at the Brussels Library is progressing quickly as the roof structure is now on the
addition as work speeds up at the site. (Shawn Loughlin photo)
Graduation
Madeline Deitner graduated with a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing,
with a degree from Conestoga
College - McMaster University on
June 11, 2013.
Congratulations Mady!
Love Mom, Dad,
Anthony and Francis
Graduation
Ellen Cook, daughter
of Paul and Karen
Cook, graduated from Sir
Sandford Fleming College
with a diploma in
Recreation and Leisure.
Congratulations Nelle and
good luck in the future.
Love from your family
GRADUATION
Darcy Young
Recreation and Leisure Services, (2012)
Human Services, (2013)
Darcy Young, son of Alan and Brenda,
graduated from Fanshawe College,
London, on Wednesday, June 12,
2013. Darcy returned to Fanshawe in
September, 2012 to continue his
education and has attained additional
certification within his field. He played
varsity basketball for the Fanshawe
Falcons during his four year post-
secondary studies. Currently, Darcy is
working at a YMCA, in London,
planning and providing activities for the
city’s residents.
Congratulations!
GRADUATION
Adam Young
Honours—Outdoor Recreation,
Bachelor of Education
Adam Young, son of Alan and Brenda,
graduated from Lakehead University,
Thunder Bay, on Saturday, June 1,
2013. Adam completed a five year
concurrent program in education and
Social Science and Humanities and
received first class standing. He is
returning to Lakehead University, in
September 2013, to pursue a Master of
Education, with a focus on at-risk-youth.
Currently, Adam is working at Fort
William Historical Park, in Thunder Bay.
Congratulations!