HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-12-23, Page 5Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, December 23, 2009 - Page 5
Garbage tag price hikes due to increased debt at landfill
Gerard Cranes
signal -star staff
Many Goderich residents were in
for a surprise last week, as they pur-
chased their garbage stickers.
Following the December 14 meet-
ing of Goderich Town Council, the
pirce of stickers went up 50 cents, to
$2.
Increased debt at the Mid -Huron
Landfill and a continuous deficit led
to the decision, which was effective
immediately.
Environmental technologist Jen-
nette Walker provided council with a
table illustrating the various levels of
deficit -recovery that would be pos-
sible through raised prices, as well as
cost comparisons with other munici-
palities.
"We've been $1.50 because it's
covered the disposal of refuse in the
town," she said. "For the first time, it
doesn't do that. We need a significant
increase to Icer expenses"
An $110,000 deficit at the Mid -
Huron Landfill is partly the result of
less garbage with the new clear bag
policy and partly the result of the sale
of Chamney Waste Disposal, which
has redirected their waste elsewhere.
Goderich had and still has one of
the lowest fees per bag in the coun-
ty, with $2-$2.50 being the average
range.
Only Brussels and Monis-Turn-
berry still charge $1.50 in Huron
County, while in Seaforth and Tuck-
- ersmith Township, the ,average cost
of garbage tags is $2.81 each (16 for
$45).
However, even with the 50 trent in-
crease in Goderich, there will be an
estimated $60,000 shortfall in land-
fill funding.
When the town eventually sends
its waste down Highway 4 to South
Huron, thre will be capital costs as-
sociated and Walker suggested the
town create a reserve to bolster the
cost.
The landfill does have a reserve of
around $5 million, which will largely
pay for the capping and closure of
the Mid -Huron site.
Goderich has not had a price in-
crease in garbage tags since 1996.
Municipal daycare staff outnumbered
Gerard Crones
signal -star staff
The cost of municipal childcare in
Goderich is on the rise.
At Council's December 14 meet-
ing, treasurer Judy Kay outlined the
costs associated with the municipal
daycare centre, as well as highlight-
ed
ighlighted a $240,00 deficit.
At issue was the staff -to -children
ratio, which can be as high as one
staff to every five toddlers.
Part of the problem, Kay ex-
plained was that whenever staff took
holidays, replacements were needed
to keep that ratio steady. This effec-
tively sees the town pay double wag-
es; both for the vacationing staff and
their replacement.
"We're not even close to cost re-
covery," she said.
As of February 1, municipal child-
care will rise $5 per day.
Summer school programs will be
discontinued, as cost-cutting mea-
sures are implemented. However,
council was optimistic that other
community groups would fill the
void.
"I think that's something you'll see
the YMCA pick up or the churches,"
said Mayor Deb Shewfelt.
With nearly one-quarter of day-
care attendees coming from outside
of Goderich, the fee hike will make
sure users pay the increase rather
than the entire tax base.
Hihwav renovations disatrnoint ACW
Denny Scott
signal -star staff
Highway 21 is getting a makeover
north of Goderich, but it isn't exactly
what councillors from Ashfield-Col-
borne-Wawanosh were looking for.
Council discussed proposed chang-
es to the provincially -maintained road
but are disappointed that only minor
touch-ups are planned.
Council decided to suggest as
many different changes as possible to
the provincial government in hopes
that the work could be done during
the proposed renovations to the road,
which are slated to happen between
March 1 and November 30, 2010.
Suggestions surrounding the inter-
section of Airport Line, MTO Road,
and Highway 21 included expansion
of the intersection, and sign reloca-
tion to increase visibility. Several
councillors .also expressed a desire
to see .the right.iand turn lane that
begins before the= -Canadian National
Rail Bridge Crossing extended prior
to the turn to Safford to stop traffic
congestion.
Several councillors also suggest-
ed that a walking path be created
alongside the road to allow bikers
and hikers access from the CNR
FOSTER FAMILIES
NEEDED FOR SCHOOL
H �s� AGED CHILDRENI
CNIftrfsAkt
Help Children from Your Community
For Information Call the Huron -Perth
Children's Aid Society
Huron County: Deanie Jardine at
519-524-7356 or 1-800-265-5198
Perth County: Vy Waller at
519-271-5290 or 1800-668-5094
G
udge to trails and paths north of
Goderich.
The work that the Ministry of
Transportation has confirmed in-
cludes several culvert replacements
and repairs, and will cause detours on
the highway. Council approved one
such detour using Sheppardton Line
and Nile Road as a detour for work
done between where the two roads
intersect with Highway 21.
Merry Christmas
and a
flappy New Year
from the staff at
L. H. JENKINS LIMITED
AUTO PARTS & TOWING
R.R. 4 Goderich 524-2181
As another year comes to a
finale, we'd like to offer `a
chorus of thanks to all the
customers, neighbours and
friends who have made this
year a noteworthy one for us.
With best wishes for a
merry and bright holiday
season from ...
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Wishing you all the
best this holiday
•
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.91
V6,° season has to offer!
Paddy O'Neils
Closing 6 pm Dec. 24th
Closed Dec. 25th
Joe Friday's
Closed Dec. 24th & 25th
BEDFORD HOTEL
GODERICH 524-7337