Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-04-09, Page 9Remembering 125 years CMrating ‘Brussefc’ history In January of 1961 the Grade 1 class entered their room in the new Brussels Public School. This photo, donated by their teacher, Luella Mitchell, is featured in the commemorative history book Our Story — Ainleyville to Brussels, 1872-1997. Honoured Blyth councillors reject ed. tax hike By Janice Becker Citizen staff In their continuing battle against the high cost of education, Blyth councillors will express their view to the Huron County Board of Edu­ cation, April 10. Reeve Mason Bailey and Coun­ cillors Gerald Kerr and Rob Lawrie agreed at the April 7 meeting of council to attend the annual budget and finance meeting hosted by HCBE. Questioning media reports that HCBE has said ratepayers could see an increase in education taxes by five to six per cent due to an additional cut of over $1 million from the province, Bailey sought council’s support to reject the increase. “The county has passed a budget Brussels 4-H members explores photography By Ashley Keffer Six members attended the first meeting of Brussels Exploring Photograph. The following officers were picked: president, Melanie Shilling;, vice-president, Vincent Bauer; secretary, Doug Mitcha; news reporter, Ashley Keffer. Brussels council finds no solution to land deal Continued from page 2 the village would have to incur advertising costs, and if it didn't sell would ultimately end up with the property. "You might as well take it, because you're going to end up with it anyway. Leave it and it will cost you more in the long run." Councillor Ralph Watson agreed. "We do it now, or do it later." Councillors expressed frustration at the situation. "I like (Jutzi's) with no increase and we have done the same for the third year. The board (of education) should be able to do the same,” he said. There was some concern from councillors that maintaining a zero increase in taxes could be key to accessing the $1 billion transition fund set up by the province. Huron MPP Helen Johns stated, at the MPP/MP dinner recently, that raising taxes would not be an option when dealing with cutbacks, said Bailey. Councillors supported Bailey in his suggestion that council tell the HCBE, at the budget meeting, that the village will not be collecting more education taxes than they have in previous years. The HCBE budget and finance meeting is April 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Central Huron Secondary School. The roll call this week is, "If you only had one chance to take one picture, what would it be?" We learned how to use a camera and check the whole scene so no unwanted objects are in the picture. Doug Mitchell and Melanie Shilling took a picture from two different views. choice of word. He'll 'donate' it, with $300 back and $400 legal fees." "And we're hung with an $800 piece of land that's no good for anything," said Councillor Greg Wilson. "It hardly seems right." Agreeing that taking over the property would probably be the most inexpensive option for coun­ cil in the long run, White added, "but either way, it's certainly not a donation." THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9,1997 PAGE 9. Past Region Chairman Blyth Lion Ken Stewart, centre, presents Lion Charlie Shaw, left and Lion Harold Cook with their 35-year perfect attendance award. 25 years Past Region Chairmen, Blyth Lion Ken Stewart, far left and Blyth Lion Al Donaldson, far right, present Lion Lloyd Sippel, second from left and Lion Gord Jenkins with awards for 25- years perfect attendance. HCBE foresees tax increase Continued from page 1 while the province pays less.) The assessment equalization fac­ tor will add another two per cent to the property tax bill as taxpayers cover the cost for provincial reassessment of property values. A 20 per cent share of the reduc­ tion in the per pupil grant will also be paid by taxpayers. When all the numbers are consid­ ered, the operating budget for the HCBE will be down more than $1 million, grant losses will top $1.5 million and the cost to taxpayers could reach five to six per cent. Questioned on the price per household, Glenn Lamb of the HCBE finance department, estimat­ ed the cost at $45 to $50, based on a $100,000 assessment. However, education taxes, at this point, have been removed from residential property. Trustees and the board adminis­ tration will continue in their efforts to reduce spending by approximate­ ly $1 million, said Carroll. Gains have been made through staffing adjustments as the elemen­ tary system uses support staff to lessen the impact of fewer teachers. This has allowed the board to retain junior kindergarten while develop­ ing a technology support team for classroom and library teacher needs, he said. The HCBE is hosting its annual budget and finance meeting at Cen­ tral Huron Secondary School, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. ake your best deal! But hurry! There’s limited availability on select ‘98 models and special edition sleds that are only available during Spring Break. It all ends April 30, 1997. iw ski-dooBOMBARDIER ***** *090*0*BOMBARDIER ENGINEERED FOR THE WAY YOU RIOE. $ MiAJn AND STKML FOUNDATION < 1997,. Bombardier Inc.. 1. IM. Trademarks and Kcgistrcd Trademarks ol Bombardier Inc, and/or aHiJiatcs in the 11 S Patent and Trademark I illiec and other countries. All rights reserved Some restrictions apply Sec participating dealer lor complete details (>tlcr available I'ebruary 1 5-April 30. 1997. DID YOU KNOW? - That research has helped reduce the heart and stroke death rate 35 per cent over the last decade?