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Huron Expositor, 2007-02-14, Page 8Page 8 February 14, 2007 • The Huron Expositor News Council wants to see 'slight' tax increase in 2007 Susan Hundertnnark While an anticipated reduction in provincial funding did not come to pass this year, Huron East council- lors are still urging a slight increase . in municipal taxes for 2007. In a preliminary budget presenta- tion at council's Feb. 6 meeting, Deputy -Clerk Brad Knight told council that while a drop of $90,000 was expected, the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) is continuing this year with last year's level of funding. OMPF funding will give Huron East $3.15 million in unconditional funding again in 2007, the highest amount of funding in Huron County next to the county itself, which will receive $5.69 million. "The reason we're so high is because we have such a high per- centage of farmland," said Knight. Of the total, $1.6 million is the farmland/managed forest grant, $585,312 is the rural communities grant, $320,536 is the assessment equalization grant and $192,184 is the police grant. Huron East also picked up a one- time provincial grant of $430,482 for 2007. Knight also pointed out that Huron East's' assessment has grown by 1.5 per cent over the past year, earning the municipality an addi- tional $23,000 in revenue. He recommended starting budget deliberations with a zero per cent increase because one in four proper- ties in the municipality have "signif- icant water and sewer increases." "For example, the average proper- ty owner in Vanastra is facing $300 more this year in water costs," he said. However, councillors said they wanted to see property taxes go up at least by the cost of inflation. "I think there should be a slight increase because I don't want us to get into a position where there needs to be a large increase," said McKillop Coun. Bill Siemon. "You really get the ire of the pub- lic if you don't keep up your reserves," he Ilake amour Murk! ...on the OFFICIAL 2007 MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAST MAP! We are excited to help you make your mark on this new map for exposure to thousands of visitors in 2007! Participate by including your business in the "one and only Official Map which includes precise location detail and information. Let this colourful presentation to help visitors & new residents enjoy our area and discover your business. It's the only mop they'll need when they visit Huron East! DON'T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON THIS POPULAR PRODUCT FOR ONE, LOW AFFORDABLE PRICE! The deadline to have your business included is February 23, 2007 To get all the details and to book your space, contact your advertising consultant today! 11 Main St., Seaforth 519.527.0240 •- - . j,.r..— .. • .+�-P+m' .1�6.s.: y#j.s...t, added. Tuckersmith Coun. Larry McGrath agreed that taxes need to go up "some- what." "At zero, you're a hero but water and sewer increases are beyond our control," he said. Seaforth Coun. Joe Sterner said Huron East needs to start putting money aside to replace the aging equipment and facilities, at the municipality's recreation centres. "We're not doing the public a favour keeping it a zero per cent," he said. Mayor Joe Seili pointed out that on a recent trip to the U.S., he read about towns that have gone bank- rupt because they haven't increased taxes since 1995. "Right now, they've got to borrow to operate," he said. Seili agreed that the "new arenas are getting to be 30 years old." He added he also wants to see tenders soon on road construction projects so that money can be saved with economies of scale. Clerk -Administrator Jack McLachlan said administration would work out a budget with a 2.5 per cent increase for council's perusal. Church Services You are invited to attend these area churches St. Thomas Anglican Church A Congregation of The Parish of The Holy Sprit Jarvis St. Seaforth 527-1522 Rector The Revd Sue Matpus M Div Sunday. February 18 WORSHIP AT 9:30 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL & NURSERY AT 9:30 AM Followed by breakfast hosted by the children Everyone Welcome Fri Feb 16 Kids Packets workshop - 1 pm Tues Feb 20 - Shrove Tuesday Pancakes 8 Sausages 5 7 Wed Feb 21 Ash Wednesday Worship 1 30pm Bethel Bible Church An Associated Gospel Church 126 Main St. Seaforth 527-0982 Sunday School 9:45 am Sunday Worship 11:00 am B&G Club Wed. 7:00 - 8:15 pm Youth Activities Wed. 7:00 pm Pastor Mark Kennedy EVERYONE WELCOME NORTHSIDE UNITED CHURCH 54 Goderich St. W. Rev. John Gould Sunday February 18th Worship at 9:30am THIS SUNDAY ONLY Sermon: "Seeing The Face Of God" All Welcome. Sunday School & Nursery During Worship St. James Roman Catholic Church Welcomes you 14 Victoria Street, Seaforth 527-0142 Weekend Masses: Sat 5:15 pm Sun. 11:00 am Fr. Chris Gillespie Egmondville United Church Pastor Steve Hildebrand Sunday, February 18 WORSHIP 11AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 10AM First Presbyterian Church Goderich St. W., Seaforth Rev. Henry Huberts Sunday February 18 11:15 am service Congregational Annual Meeting & Lunch follows service Sunday School & Nursery Provided.