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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1999-04-21, Page 7THE CITIZEN. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 1999. PAGE 7. Grey, Brussels councils bring residents up to speed on amalgamation process By Janice Becker Citizen staff The mood was positive and lorward-thinking when the councils of Brussels and Grey Twp. hosted a public session. April 13 to discuss the proposed amalgamation of the two municipalities. Approximately 75 residents gathered at the BMG arena to learn what progress had been made. Clerk-Treasurers Donna White and Brad Knight went through a summary of the amalgamation report, explaining each item and giving a history. "These councils have not had a lot of choice (regarding amalgamation)," said Knight, "because of the political choices of neighbours and geography." Knight mentioned Howick Twp.'s reluctance to join. They are concerned about the Mennonite population having greater distances to travel for services. "Amalgamation may not serve them well.” In detailing the genera) government and administration portion of the report, White said the representation distribution is still be considered. Two options given were two councillors from Grey and Brussels with a mayor at large, for a council of five or a mayor and deputy-mayor elected at large plus five councillors for a group of seven. The most controversial aspect of amalgamation is the closure of the Brussels office, said White. However, the Grey Twp. office is better suited to the needs with only minor renovations. "All efforts will be made to keep services available and convenient for Brussels residents," she said. Consideration has been given to locating some services at the library. "We realize there is not much savings except in audit services and insurance," she added. Knight covered the Protection to Person and Property issues saying that Brussels and Grey are among the lowest cost per capita for fire protection and have a very good service. Stating it is not the intent to enhance one department over the other, both departments will continue to serve their areas with consideration given to special needs. Grey needs a tanker to serve rural areas and both have pumpers more than 15 years old. Knight said the cost of OPP will also be closely watched. In dealing with the transportation and works department, Knight said it is not over-staffed by any means now. It is at a good level." However, he noted there are different equipment needs between the rural and urban and more savings might be realized if there was an amalgamation with another rural municipality. Waste collection will be one of the most challenging areas, said White, as there are significant differences in the level of service and there are agreements with neighbouring municipalities. "We have to honour the existing agreements which are in place.” The perpetual care funds which are currently in place for the cemeteries will stay where they are. The clerk-treasurers predict there will be little change in the recreation and culture, or YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES ONTARIO A step closer to a career in law enforcement thanks to Ontario Summer Jobs. The Ontario government has a great|fen to make your summer job search just a little easier. It’s called Ontario Summer Jobs, a freeservice that can help you get that first interview or even sta your own business. Last year we helped thousands of people, but there’s still a lot more to So call 1-888-JOBGROW or visit us at youthjobs.gov.on.ca F ' we want to help g planning and development areas. With the outline completed, the first question from the gallery was with regards to the differing mill rates. Brussels Reeve Ralph Watson said such details would be worked out through the transition group. Knight said Brussels' taxes are 16 per cent higher than those in Grey hamlets though Brusselites pay for sewer services and water. Resident says, ‘Be ready to go bigger’ "In fairness to Brussels, we also have to look at the level of Community Reinvestment funding," he said. "Grey Twp. has a budget of $1.4 million with $725,000 from the province. Brussels gets $104,000 of their $480,000 budget from the province. If funding is cut. Grey may not be lower." Residents were also told rural taxpayers would stay with Ontario Hydro. Several attendees said they would be surprised if small groupings such as Brussels and Grey would be allowed, or would stay that way for long. Jack McCutcheon said he doubted it would be accepted, but "it is healthy to think about small groups and be ready to go if (we) have to go bigger." There was also a strong suggestion that Brussels and Grey should leave the door open for such municipalities as Morris if the push for bigger came. Councillors said the door was never closed. There have also been informal discussions with Seaforth, McKillop and Howick Twps. as well as the North Huron municipalities. Clem Steffler questioned the retention of old political boundaries though Grey Reeve Robin Dunbar said the idea of splitting townships was broached. "There was a political will to let those boundaries stand," he said. Questioned on whether the county would look at one amalgamation plan at a time, Knight said he doubted it would be individual plans, but all together, and they would go to the province as a complete package.