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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2018-01-18, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018. LeFort proposes gradual decline in farm tax rate Continued from page 1 to council. He suggested that farmers are already paying record - high taxes and, even if the tax rate were to be adjusted as the OFA was suggesting, that trend would continue. The federation suggested that Huron County farmers should pay 22 per cent of the tax ratio in 2018, followed by 19 per cent in 2019 and 18 per cent in 2020. OFA representatives, however, have been quick to point out that they do not consider such an adjustment a tax break. "With this change, farmland will still be contributing the same proportion of taxes to the overall budget," read a HCFA press release issued after the meeting. "It is important to note that this is not a tax break that is being requested, but an adjustment that slows the tax increase that farmland owners will be enduring in order to maintain a tax load level that is more comparable to the services which farmland requires. We would like to note that farmland owners are still taxed at the full residential rate for their house and one acre." With farmland being taxed at 25 per cent of the rate of residential property in Ontario, Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan said that the issue lies with the province, rather than at the Huron County level. If members of the local farm association want the county's support in lobbying the province, he felt that would be appropriate, but to adjust the tax rate at the county level wouldn't be the right way to approach the situation, he said. Bluewater Mayor Tyler Hessel agreed, asking federation representatives which services — such as the plowing of roads, fire protection, policing or emergency response — they would be prepared to live without in order to facilitate the adjustment to the rates. With labour costs rising and the county's Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) money evaporating a little more every year, the only way the county could adjust the tax rate to help farmers would be to drastically cut services. LeFort did say, however, that farmers don't benefit from as many services as those in urban centres do, so that should also be considered. "We can't leave this issue unaddressed," said LeFort. "It would be nice if the province stepped in, but it's very hard to get the province to step in. The tax ratio, unfortunately, is the only tool we have to address this current situation." Morris-Turnberry Mayor Paul Gowing cited a lack of control over the current situation, even referencing tax increases on his own farmland, but said it was really an issue that needed to be dealt with at the provincial level. When adjusting the tax ratio, Goderich Deputy -Mayor Jim Donnelly said, there is no way to help one person without hurting another, because there is a certain amount of money that needs to be paid in a county budget's bottom line. MacLellan agreed, saying there was no way to help farmland owners in Huron County without hurting another tax class, like residential ratepayers. He suggested that farmland owners take their concerns to the provincial government at Queen's Park and that the county would be there to support them. Hessel said that while farmland taxes had been rising, he felt that the province was seeing increases across the board because of what people were paying for property. He cited an example from his home community of Bayfield where a vacant lot had been bought for $80,000 just a few years ago and recently sold for nearly $250,000. "This isn't a farming issue, this is a provincial issue," he said. He suggested that farmers appeal their assessment to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), which he tells any of his residents who want to challenge their assessment. It is really the only tool at the disposal of the average property owner, he said. In answering to LeFort's comment that the rising farm taxes have not moved in -step with farm profits, MacLellan said that many other businesses are like that as well. Commercial tax rates, he said, are charged and have nothing to do with the profitability (or lack thereof) of the business in question. Get entertainment information on the Entertainment section of our website at www.northhuron.on.ca Stay Connected The ball went that -away The Blyth and District Community Centre hosted an adult broomball tournament over the weekend, which included a match between the Outlaws and AFGM. The Outlaws posted a 3-1 win over their competition. (Hannah Dickie photo) UCW supports education project PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188 Harold and Nancy Jardin greeted worshippers and handed out the bulletins at Knox United Church on Sunday, Jan. 14. On the second Sunday of Epiphany, Paster Brian Hymers welcomed the congregation. Brian lit the Christ candle. The welcoming hymn was "Teach Me God to Wonder". After the call to worship, the congregation shared the Peace of Christ. The children's hymn was "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky". After the choir anthem, the scripture lessons were read from Samuel 3: 1-10 and John 1: 43-51. The hymn of response was "Jesus Calls Us", followed by the minute for missions given by Nancy Jardin. After the offering was taken up and dedicated, the Lord's Prayer followed. The singing of the closing hymn, "I Am the Light of the World" and the benediction and blessing concluded the morning worship service. For a special project this year, the Belgrave United Church women decided to support the education related work of "Change Her World" in Africa. The focus of this organization, based in Stratford, is on improving the education level of girls in developing countries. For the first part of the project, please help by saving reuseable shopping bags, lids from water bottles, cream, milk and juice cartons (for counters), lids of peanut butter and salad dressing jars (for learning games). For more information, contact Nancy Folkard. Jackie Hymers is pleased to announce that the three churches donated a combined 5,276 milk bags to aid third world countries with sleeping mats. After the horrific hurricane season this past fall these mats will be well received. Thanks to everyone for another great mission service for those less fortunate. Brian will be having a book study discussion group based on the book Tuesdays with Morrie. He has ordered 15 copies of this book. The dates and location of the discussion group will be decided when the books arrive. FROM BELGRAVE '"01•10 The Citizen wherever you are in the world with an Electronic Subscription • Easy access • Read on your phone, tablet or computer • Perfect for travellers, students or snowbirds • Timely reading (no waiting for mail delivery) $3800 per year Go to our website and pay by Pay Pal or come into the office and pay by cheque, cash, credit card or debit The Citizen 413 Queen St., Blyth 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-523-4792 519-887-9114 www.northhuron.on.ca