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Times-Advocate, 1979-08-15, Page 1oNew factors will sting rural taxpayers Area municipal officials are in the process of figuring out what the new provincial equalizing factors are going to do to their mill rates next year, and it is resulting in some broad smiles in most urban communities in Huron and some deep frowns from their rural counterparts. The new factors will be used for 1980 county and education apportionments and unless they are changed in the meantime, most rural property owners will face some hefty increases, as the provincial government at- tempts to get assessment closer to resale value. Some officials point out that the spiralling resale value of area farm properties is the main reason for the increases to rural municipalities. County officials have worked out what the changes would have done to the county and education requisitions had the new factors been used in 1979. Usborne Township would have been the hardest hit among area municipalities, Their 1979 general and high- ways requisition for county purposes would have in- creased $14,640 or 18.6 percent. Exeter, on the other hand, would have enjoyed a reduction of $32,416 or 18.3 percent. Hay is the least affected by the changes, as the township contribution for county purposes would have in- creased by only .7 percent or $808. The increases for the other area townships would be as follows: Stanley $6,866 (8.2 percent) ; Stephen $18,013 (8.9 percent); Tuckersmith $12,640 (9.3 percent). The villages of Hensall and Zurich would have shown sizeable decreases. Hen- sail's contribution for the county would have come down by $8,737 (17.4 per- cent), while Zurich would have enjoyed a saving of $4,016 (11.3 percent). However, that is only part of the bad and good news. The equalization factors will result in major changes in the levies to the Huron County board of education. Again, Usborne would have been hit the hardest based on 1979 figures. Township residents would have had to contribute an additional $31,654 for the secondary panel and $36,946 for the elementary panel. Combined with the county rate, that would have resulted in Usborne ratepayers having to come up with an additional $83,240. Hay again comes off best among townships in the county. In fact they're the only rural ratepayers who show a decrease for educational purposes. It would have dropped $1,802 off the secondary panel and $749 off the elementary, both less than one percent decreases, Other area townships all would have increases as follows: Stanley, secondary panel, $14,529 (10.61 percent) elementary panel, $16,567 (11.23 percent); Stephen, secondary panel $32,311 (12.82 percent) elementary $35,592 (13.43 percent); Tuckersmith, secondary panel, $20,747 (15.02 percent) elementary, $22,766 (15.67 percent). Exeter would have en- joyed the largest saving of the three urban com- munities. The secondary panel would have decreased by $65,152 (31,29 percent) and the elementary panel would have been down by $74,818 (30.87 percent). Hensall would have had a similar percentage saving in both panels. The secondary levy would have reduced by $18,692 (30.30 percent) and the elementary by $21,733 (29.93 percent). Zurich's levies would have dropped $2,734 (9.92 percent) for the secondary and $2,352 (9.40 percent) for the elementary. Exeter clerk Liz Bell said the result would have been a 17 percent tax saving for local ratepayers, based on a decrease of $172,386 or 34,47 mills. The total decrease for Zurich would have been $9,102 and Hensall's would have been down $49,163. Hay is the only township showing a decrease, that'being $1,743. The total increases for the area townships would have been as follows: Stanley, $37,962; Stephen, $85,916; Tuckersmith, $56,153; Usborne, $83,240. While the municipal councils have the right of appeal, one area clerk said provincial officials feel they have all the corners covered, he change ;;.-4 the factors is expected to be a rather warm issue when. Huron county council meets for their first session. Of all the Huron rural municipalities, IVIcKillop would have been the hardest hit on the 1979 figures. Their school levies would have increased about 54 percent ($102,493) while the county rate would have been up $24,289 or 33.6 percent, Goderich shows the largest decrease on a money and percentage basis. The county levy would have dropped $87,434 (23,9 per- cent) and the school levies would have been down a total of $394,060. Imes . Serving South Huron, North Middlesex One Hundred and Fifth Year EXETER, ONTARIO, AUGUST 15, 1979 Price Per Copy 25 Cents Usborne approves building amendment A. . WORK ENDING — It's been a summer of blisters and calluses for some of the students employed by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority Experience '79 project. The program concludes this week for Donna Stewart and Lori Sims, both of RR 1 Hensall, who were busy Monday morning with their scythes along Morrison dam. Staff photo Call for two new diamonds Will try again on park plans EVERYONE'S DOING IT — Garage sales are popular these days in every community and these four youngsters had their own this week to raise some extra spending money by clearing out toys, comic books and refreshments. Awaiting the rush of customers are, from the left: Julie and Alan Blommaert and Graham and Kendra Arthur. Staff photo Annexation termed the key to keeping Hensall viable Ac promised earlier in the stonmer, Mayor Derry Boyle and councillor Don Cameron have comeup with a proposal that if accepted by all groups will see work on Exeter's community park commence as early as this September. The South Huron Recreation Centre board of management gave their blessing to the plan at their monthly meeting Monday which calls for the in- stallation of two new diamonds and the provision for a soccer field to the east of the tennis courts. Cameron told the board the proposal follows very closely the recom- mendations which former rec administrator Kirk Armstrong had submitted to town council last December and which in turn were a result of study presented to the board by the grounds development committee in March of 1978. Among the first priorities would be the drainage of the present diamond and of the land designated for a new softball •diamond and a new hardball diamond. In ad- dition, the drainage should be compatible with a drainage system for the soccer field. Chairman Howard Pym Man charged with bre akins At their regular meeting, Tuesday, Stephen Township council approved an amendment to the agreement with Judy Finch, their animal control officer. In the future, Ms. Finch will receive $25 for any special trips made into the township to pick up stray dogs that are being held by residents. The animal control officer does not make regular patrols in the township area, In the spring of 1980 Cameron said work on either one or both of the new diamonds which would be to the east of the present facility, could be started. Going over his list of priorities, the William Street resident suggested minor renovations to the existing diamond, the installation of lights on the new softball diamond and the provision for a soccer field should follow suit. Boyle suggested that an unofficial priority would be the installation of lights for the hardball facility. In his preamble, Cameron stated that all interests must be taken into consideration Please turn to page 9 but only in Huron Park. Council also approved a $50 donation to the Township of West Carleton for that municipality's flood disaster relief fund. Three tile drain ap- plications in the amount of $31,200 were approved, but are subject to funds being available. After consideration of an assessment appeal by Lucille Ayotte on the Keller drain extension two, council upheld the assessment. Usborne Township council approved an amendment to the building bylaw to provide specifications for the en- closure of animal waste tanks as one of the many items discussed at a six-hour session for their August meeting. Building inspector Her- man VanWeiren reported that six permits had been approved the previous month, with the value being $107,500. The Ontario Home Renewal program officer reported that two projects had been completed for the maximum of $7,500 each and an interim payment of $1,600 on a third. Drain capital funding bylaws were approved as follows: Brock-Miller, $9,400; Br. "B'qii•bek Creek, $6,200; Gardiner-Stewart, $17,000; Russell, $6,100; Johns-Miller, $9,800; Black Creek, $4,800; Johns, $2,600; Dunn, $12,500; Buswell, $4,800, Three land severance applications were approved with a $15 consideration required for Parsons and Horne and no consideration required for Hodgert. An application from Romanson was not approved until such time as enabling amend- ments are made to the secondary plan. In other business, council. Passed a bylaw providing for a contract with the ministry of the environment for consultants' fees toward the development of a new waste disposal site. Confirmed an agreement with the Township of Blanshard to charge 80 cents per yard for gravel sold out of the Willis farm pit. Instructed the road superintendent to charge $2.90 per yard for gravel delivered to ratepayers and 15 percent interest on unpaid 1978 road accounts, Request aid from district It's the busiest time of year for farmers, but the Huron County federation of Agriculture is Asking area farmers to leave their fields for a day to help with tornado cleanup in the Woodstock area. Brenda McIntosh, spokesman for the federation, said the federation is organizing car pools for people to help with the cleanup. She said that besides willing hands, chain saws and wrecking bars are needed to help clear rubble. "If they could bring some of their own equipment, it would be a big help," Mrs. McIntosh said. Three counties in the Woodstock area suffered damage from a tornado that struck Tuesday night. She said people with a knowledge of carpentry would be needed in the next few weeks. Tight security in the area makes it difficult for people to walk in and offer help, so the federation is co-ordinating its efforts through a group of Men- nonite volunteers that has been on the scene since Wednesday. Mrs. McIntosh said those willing to work on the cleanup can call the federation office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 482-9642. Cash donations are being accepted by writing the Huron Federation of Agriculture Tornado Relief Fund, Post Office Box 429, Clinton, Ont. Set program for seniors Exeter's senior citizens have been invited to a special community con- ference to be staged at the South Huron Rec centre on Tuesday, August 21. The program is being arranged by the senior service program being conducted by three area students who have been studying the needs of local seniors this summer. The girls involved are Mary Easton, Margaret Parkinson and Darlene Davis, Special guest speakers will be on hand to discuss ser- vices available to Exeter seniors and the prograM will be hosted by popular CFPL radio personality Bill Brady, Various organizations and services will have displays available for viewing, with the program commencing at 1,00 p.m, "You have to wait until someone dies so you can buy their house," Hensall Reeve Harold Knight said Wed- nesday in advising a small turnout of Hensall and Hay ratepayers why the village is attempting to extend its boundaries. He said the annexation would benefit both the village and neighboring township residents in that it would make a stronger and more viable area. The Reeve suggested that without expansion, the community could start to lose," Things are going to close up," he added, suggesting that the elementary school in the village could be included in the list as it is already ex- periencing declining enrolment and could face the fate of some schools in London which are being closed. "I hope we can maintain these services," he said. The meeting, held at the Hensall arena, attracted about 35 people, half of whom were there in some official capacity. Knight said he was disappointed in the turnout, especially in the number of Hensall residents in attendance, He was crictical of the fact that only one businessman was present, noting that ex- pansion was the only way to maintain a viable core area business section. Roman Dzus, of the Huron County Planning depart- ment, explained that the meeting was called to get the views of the ratepayers in the two municipalities before any application for an- nexation is made to the Ontario Municipal Board. Data reported that it became obvious when the secondary plan was prepared for Hensall that the land base was basically depleted and some local industries had already spilled over into Hay to meet their expansion requirements. "If it is to grow, the boundary has to be adjusted and expanded," he said. The two municipalities have basically agreed that the boundary should be extended to include the Robert E. Caldwell property on the northern limits and the property owned by Allan and Gerald Reid on the southern limits. The Cald- well property has been suggested for future in- dustrial expansion, while the Reid property would be used for residential purposes. About 175 acres is involved. Dzus said this should meet Hensall's requirements for the next 15 to 20 years. Township residents who live along Highway 4 south of the village in the area to be annexed voiced several concerns, ranging from higher taxation, the cost of Nomads aid tornado area Several members of the Ausable River Nomads travelled to Oxford Centre last weekend to assist fellow Oxford Rover campers in the clean-up operations of their farm which Was devastated by the tornado which hit in the area recently. All of their farm buildings and their camper, along with a large portion of their home, were totally destroyed. Luckily, the family, who were all at home at the time, Managed to escape unharmed. The Nomads who assisted were the: Alex Meikles', Ken Brooms', Maurice Haista', and till Perrys' (who all camped and assisted for 2 days); and Don 13utizlew, Orville Webber, Jack Cooper and Don Cor- bett. municipal services, school bus service and mail delivery. While one owner suggested his taxes could double, Chuck Godkin of the ministry of inter- governmental affairs produced statistics to suggest this would not be the case. In fact, Godkin said that based on the 1978 taxes for the two municipalities, the change in taxation would be "negligible on both sides." Ratepayers in Hay would face a slight increase, while Hensall's would enjoy a small decrease. He had comparisons for each of the eight property owners in Hay, but only two were mentioned. Mrs. Bev Simpson was told her taxes would have increased by $61.06 in 1978 had she been annexed to Hensall, while the incralse for the Camp- bell Eyre property nearby was listed at $28.32. Dzus said he could not envision any major servicing or administration cost in- crease for either Hensall or Hay. He agreed that the present township residents, if an- nexed, would lose rural mail delivery, but was unable to answer whether or not their children would continue to receive bus transportation to the Hensall school. Mike Fenn of the ministry of inter-governmental af- fairs, speculated that if the county school board provides that service now, they would probably continue to do so. While there were concerns expressed about the children having to walk along the highway to school, Knight said he could assure the families that access would eventually be provided to eliminate that danger. Under questioning from Mrs. Simpson, the Reeve said he didn't know when that would be, but said "it may not be a terribly long time." Hay Deputy-Reeve Lloyd Mousseau said he couldn't see why the school bus policy would change, although Councillor Tony Bedard said kids on the outskirts of Zurich ride on the bus while those 1,000 feet away in the village limits are required to walk, Officials indicated they would check out the matter with school board officials in an effort to get an answer, Harold Elliott, who claimed he would face only higher taxation if annexed, questioned what benefits he would receive. Dzus said they presently have access to all the ser- vices now provided in Hensall, but have no responsibility to help pay for them. "You'll have to bear your share," he said, Another township resident, Bill Freeth, said the village would not have to provide them with a road, sewer or water as they already have those services, Dzus said some of the benefits they share are such things as recreation facilities, core area shopping and schools, "We're not going to offer you the moon," Reeve Knight advised. He said water and sewer services would be available, as well as better fire protection if hydrants were extended to Please turn to page 5 Fair books available 'The prize lists for this year's Exeter fall fair are now off the presses, People wishing a copy may pick one up at The Times. Advocate, or contact the secretary, Garnet Hicks. A Seaforth man, Robert Gerald Reynolds, has been charged as a result of the investigation by Exeter OPP into several breakins in the Zurich and Dashwood area over the Civic holiday weekend. Among the properties entered were the County of Huron road department shed, the Hay Municipal Telephone System building, Zurich Pro Hardware and the Zurich office of Hensall Co-Op. Loot in the breakins amounted to over $200. There was one theft reported this week, oc- curring Thursday night when a tape deck, amplifier and two speakers were removed from a vehicle owned by David Clarke, R.R. 3 Zurich, which was parked on the Zurich arena lot, Constable Frank Giffin is investigating. One incident of vandalism is also being investigated by Constable Giffin, A window • at Usborne Central School was smashed with damage Set at $100. and Stephen representative Wayne Ratz, said it costs around $400 an acre for the type of drainage that Cameron and Boyle were proposing. Total area to be developed is 22 acres with buildings presently oc- cupying roughly 50 percent of this amount, Cameron said. WRONG BUTTON The Exeter fire brigade members were called out Monday morning around 11:00 a.m., but their assistance was not required. A patient at South Huron Hospital had pulled a fire alarm, which rings automatically at the fire hall. WOODCARVING Billy McGrath watches intently as Floyd Burch shows him wood car- ving techniques at the Huron Park rec centre annex Friday. Stephen aids flood victims On another drain matter, drainage inspector Ken Pickering was named as the township representative to sit on the court of revision for the Black Creek drain being initiated by Hay Township. Aaron Restemayer, Dash- wood, appealed to council regarding a water con- nection charge for his village barbershop, Council ap- proved withdrawal of the connection but the owner will still be charged the frontage rate.