HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2003-03-26, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2003.
North Huron rethinks decision on well use
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen editor
admininstration.
Approached at the March 3
meeting of council by Brian Luinstra
Approval granted at an earlier
meeting has raised some questions
for North Huron council and
Spring in Huron
One more sign that spring has arrived. An area resident shot this group of tundra swans in a
water-filled field SOUth-eaSt Of Blyth last Week. (A. Joanne Bregman photo)
Big cost to maintaining Wingham police
Continued from page 1
Wingham Police Services. In the
report White explains that the force
was to be disbanded as part of the
amalgamation proceedings.
However at the Ontario Civilian
Commission on Police Services
(OCCOPS) hearing of Feb. 2, 2002,
the application to disband was
denied.
It had been anticipated, however,
that having the entire municipality
served by the OPP would result in
savings of $125,000, a total no
longer realized. Also, with OCCOPS
forcing the issue of maintaining the
Wingham police, a great deal of
expense will be required to meet the
new adequacy standards.
Staffing also did not offer any
savings in 2001 and 2002. This is
expected to change.
White’s report states that the
increased workload due to the
takeover of water and sewer billing
and administration from the former
Wingham PUC meant that there
could initally not be any staff
reducation.
However, with the retirement of
former East Wawanosh Clerk
Winona Thompson late in 2002, the
position has been redeisgned and the
pay grid is significantly lower than
previously, White said.
The projected annual savings for
staffing levels had been set for
$75,000.
White explains that savings in the
amount of $55,000 were expected
with the combination of the three
public works departments. However,
due to the geographies of the new
municipality these as well were not
realized.
It was anticipated that there would
be significant savings in regard to
insurance coverage, computer
services and support and bulk
purchasing, White’s report said.
However, after the events of Sept.
11, 2001 insurance premiums have
increased significantly.
Rather than $52,000 as projected,
savings in 2001 were $4,513.32 and
none in 2002, due in part to
insurance rates of $96,546.10.
In the good news department the
reduction in number of councillors
from 17 to seven has realized just
slightly less savings than projected.
North Huron anticipated annual
savings of $40,000.
The actual amounts were
$39,695.06 in 2001 and $39,651.82
in 2002.
Savings for audit fees were
substantially higher than projected.
White explained that prior to
of the Maitland Valley Conservation
Authority regarding use of the East
Wawanosh landfill well for a test
well, council gave unanimous
approval. However, at the March 17
meeting, Clerk-Administrator John
Stewart expressed some
reservations.
While the Ministry of the
Environment has approved the use of
the well, there are stipulations.
Consulting the engineer Stewart said
he was told that should anything go
wrong it could cost the municipality.
“He said it might be better to deny
this request.”
Councillor Jeff Howson wondered
if an agreement couldn’t be signed
amalgamation the audit had been
tendered, costing the three former
municipalities a total of $30,410.81
in 2000.
For North Huron the audit was
tendered for a three-year term in the
amount of $11,400 resulting in
savings in 2001 and 2002 of
$19,010.81.-
With amalgamation, monies have
been realized through the sale of the
former Blyth municipal office and
the rent -from the former East
Wawanosh office.
Also included in the report is a
business case compliance briefly
outlining expenses for which the
restructuring fund was used.
As well, White notes that the
amalgamation of North Huron “has
been very successful and a positive
working atmosphere has been
created.”
with MVCA stating that any costs
would be covered by them. Stewart
said the current agreement does not
have that clause thus an amendment
would be needed.
Adding that the project was not set
to begin in the near future, Stewart
said he felt more information was
needed before a decision was made.
Councillor Jim Campbell, who
represents North Huron on the
MVCA board, explained that MVCA
had been asked by the county to do
this work as part of a groundwater
study.
The matter was deferred so that
Stewart could get more information.
L. Michie gone
from M-T staff
Though no details were offered,
Morris-Turnberry Mayor Keith
Johnston confirmed Monday
afternoon that Lloyd Michie, long
time Morris Twp. road super
intendent then public works co
ordinator for Morris-Turnberry, is no
longer employed by the
municipality.
GRANT GNAY
Certified General
Accountant
Accounting & Tax Services
93 Wolfe St.
Goderich
524-5113
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