The Citizen, 2003-05-07, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2003.
HE adds $10,000 to budget for library
By David Blaney
Special to The Citizen
After weeks of discussion and the
occasional angry exchange Huron
East council got together on April 27
to approve the budget for 2003.
In approximately two hours
councillors settled budget issues
ranging from a two per cent increase
in the municipal general levy to
adding $10,000 to the budget to
improve the heating system at the
Brussels library.
Taxes for Huron East residents are
made up of the rates for education,
set by the provincial government,
the county portion set by Huron
County council and the municipal
portion established by Huron East
council. The county portion was
increased by 5.94 percent and the
education rate rose by 1.43 per cent.
-The overall municipal levy fell by
.12 percent.
Unfortunately for the rural areas of
the towns, shifts in weighted
assessment mean that while overall
taxation in Seaforth fell by three per
cent and in Brussels by 1.24 per cent
Grey, Tuckersmith and McKillop
wards will see increases. McKillop
was hit with an increase of 9.77 per
cent and Grey and Tuckersmith rose
Health unit prepares
to battle West Nile
The Huron County Health Unit is
asking for the public’s help in efforts
to detect and prevent West Nile Virus
(WNV). Starting today, local
residents are being asked to report
the location of dead crows to the
health unit. Crows are particularly
sensitive to WNV and are monitored
to determine the extent of WNV
activity in the county.
Dead Bird Monitoring
People reporting the location of a
dead crow are asked to call the
. health unit at 482-3416 and provide
their name, phone number, address
and the exact location of where the
dead crow was found.
Since the health unit can only
submit four crows per week for
laboratory testing, not all dead crows
will be picked up. Staff will make
arrangements to pick up birds
selected for weekly submission. All
other dead birds should be discarded
in the following manner:
• do not touch the bird with bare
hands
• use rubber gloves or a shovel to
pick up the bird
• place bird in a double plastic
bag ,
• place the bird out with regular
household garbage
• wash hands thoroughly
Mosquito Monitoring
In 2002, five of 17 birds submitted
from Huron County tested positive
for the virus. These birds were
located in the towns of Clinton,
Goderich and Seaforth. Mosquito
trapping and testing will begin in
Huron County on May 26 in Clinton,
Goderich and Seaforth. Additional
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by 4.73 and 4.01 respectively:
In the rural wards classes of
property are affected differently and
the effects of weighted assessment
could leave owners of farm
properties in Grey with taxes 15 per
cent higher than in 2002.
A major area of contention proved
to be the economic development
budget, which has been under siege
from its inception. The recent
decision not to rehire Bonnie
Lafontaine as the economic
development officer has left the
situation in that area unsettled.
Councillor Joe Seili said. “With
the circumstances the committee
(economic development) is in we
can get by with $75,000.” He
warned, however, “We are not going
to be able to keep hacking at this if
we want to get a return.”
Councillor Sharon McClure has
consistently supported cutting this
part of the budget from $100,000 to
$75,000. She said, “This was what
was intended. There are other places
where we need to spend money.”
The decision to increase the
general municipal tax levy by two
per cent also caused considerable
comment, with Treasurer Brad
Knight pointing out to councillors,
“Maybe it is a little easier sell in the
traps will be set once every two
weeks in five different areas of
Huron, based on where positive dead
birds are found during 2003.
Prevention of West Nile Virus
WNV is spread to humans through
the bite of an infected mosquito.
Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding
on infected birds. In an effort to
reduce mosquito breeding sites,
residents and business operators are
being asked to remove all standing
water at least once a week in places
like bird baths, flower pots, tires and
eaves troughs. People should also
repair any door or window screens
where mosquitoes can enter the
building.
Dr. Beth Henning, medical officer
of health, encourages all residents to
take the following steps for personal
protection when mosquitoes are
active, especially at dawn and dusk:
• wear light-coloured clothing,
long-sleeved shirt, pants and
socks
• use an insect repellent
containing the chemical DEET
when outdoors ensuring that you
carefully follow the application
instructions, especially with
infants and children.
For more information about West
Nile virus, contact the Huron County
Health Unit at (519) 482-3416, or if
calling long distance, dial 1-877-
837-6143.
Visit
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public if we don't raise the general
tax levy.”
Deputy-Mayor Bernie MacLellan
said, “I think it is wrong not to raise
it. We are just planning for the
future. We shouldn’t hold the line
just because the other levels of
government raise their levy.”
Seili pointed out that a one per
cent increase didn't cover inflation
and MacLellan added, “One per cent
doesn’t even cover the raises we
gave the employees.”
Councillor Larry McGrath argued,
“To fall behind does not do us any
favours. We might get a pat on the
back now but come the make-up day
you don’t need a pat on the back,
Searching the sand
Students at Brussels Public School took part in a scavenger hunt last week. This had them
searching inside and outside of the school. From left: Christopher Ross, Dalton Hamilton, and
Mann photo)
Austin Jamieson-Johnston run their fingers through the sand, hoping to find something. (Sarah
for Mother’s T)ay...
6” Potted Mother Geraniums
with up to 10 stems $ A Reg Price
SATURDAY & SUNDAY.. 4.UU $5.50
Special Draw for Mothers Only
Win a Large Shrub Tub! Valued at $80.00.
Come and visit the area's largest selection of plants under one acre of clean,
well laid out and attractive greenhouse space. Plants from Te-Em Farm have
been beautifying Huron County since 19811!
1000s of multistem geraniums. All in one greenhouse ...a sight to behold.
New perennials! Wave petunias are now available in 11 colours.
1000s of hanging baskets in all colours and combinations. Nursery stock.
We will plant your planters, in your choice of colours and it will be ready
for you in a few weeks. Potted containers and colour bowls.
you need a bullet proof vest.”
Several councillors indicated
support for the increase in the
general levy because of the costs that
were going to have to be incurred to
re-equip the area fire departments.
Grey department has indicated it
needs a new pumper and the
emergency vehicle in Seaforth needs
upgrades to bring it in line with
current regulations.
In an attempt to illustrate the
severity of the problem Seili pointed
out, “The Brussels pumper is
patched so much that the next time
the tank comes out it may not fit
back in between the wheel wells.”
The large deficit projected for the
Vanastra daycare program also came
in for some pointed comments.
McGrath stated, “I'm getting a lot of
heat on the street with the $70,000
deficit for the Vanastra Day Care
Centre. We have to talk about some
serious cost cutting.” McClure
added, “1 think they have to sharpen
their pencils.”
The matter was eventually left for
a later time when the centre staff
would be making proposals for
fundraising.
A budget containing expenditures
of $10, 925,533 was eventually
passed on a motion by Seili,
seconded by Greg Wilson.