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Times Advocate, 1996-08-14, Page 3IN THF. NF.W.S Consultants report optimism surrounding amalgamation THEDFORD - Optimism sur- rounds the amalgamation process according to KPMG, the con- sulting fumed hired by the Exeter - Grand Bend-Stephen-Usborne- Bosanquet Amalgamation Com- mittee to complete an impact study. At last Wednesday's committee meeting, KMPG consultant Mike Follett outlined the firm's findings to date. Senior staff interviews have been completed and the fi- nancial model has been updated. The model will show how oper- ating efficiencies and tax savings or containment will benefit com- munities. KPMG has used 1995 as the base year for the model and this year's assessment figures due to the im- plementation of 1992 market value assessment that shifts some tax bur- den from commercial to res- idential. In an amalgamation sce- nario, KPMG assumed equalized factors formerly used in Lambton County no longer exist. Assess- ments would be based on Huron County market value assessments. The analysis excludes special area rate expenditures levied in the vari- bus municipalities. The model "assumes policing costs of S250 per household to be paid by the municipalities will be- gin in 1997. According to KPMG, this figure was suggested by the province. The model also assumes tI Ontario grant block grant will be reduced by 30 per cent each year in 1997, 1998 and 1999. It is assumed no provincial support will be forthcoming starting in 1999. In creating the model, inflation or other changes to net expenditures were not considered. Because government guidelines are still not clear, KPMG suggested a two-way model with and without variables may prove more val- uable. Bruce Lauckner of KPMB advised the bog area, once defined, should be removed from the study area and the split of Bosanquet must be considered, including com- pensation. The second phase of the study is expected to be completed by mid- September and over the next few weeks KMPG will examine "best practices" of municipalities throughout North America. This review will provide ideas for pro- viding better, cost-effective ser- vices in an amalgamation mu- Times -Advocate, August 14, 1996 Page 3 nicipality. The study process will also in- volve workshops with staff and councillors, a review of business processes and the completion of al feasibility analysis. Further public consultation will take place in the form of a public workshop in early September. A final report pre- senting alternatives and rec- ommendations is scheduled to be completed by late September or early October. During the public question period at the end of the meeting, a mem- ber of the gallery asked that Van Dongen subdivision, near Grand Bend, continue to be included in the study area. A meeting date was set for Au- gust 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Exeter Council Chambers. Public amalgamation meeting planned LUCAN - The Lucan/Biddulph Amalgamation Committee has decided to hold its second public meeting on September 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lucan Community Memorial Centre. The purpose of the meeting is to present the public with the committees amalgamation order draft, which outlines details of the proposed re- structuring. Copies of the draft will be available prior to the meeting. In the mean- time, the two councils may meet to discuss the document. At the committee's July 30 meeting, Biddulph Reeve Earl French sug- gested the order mention amalgamation cost savings in a general amount rather than with specific numbers. "We have the basics," said Biddulph Clerk -Treasurer Larry Hotson, con- cerning the entire order. Lucan Administrator -Clerk Ron Reymer presented his proposed order introduction and the committee agreed to include it in the final proposal package. Waste Co -collection Lucan Deputy Reeve Harry Wraith suggested the two municipalities act now to put co -collection tendering in place in preparation for the new year. Hotson recommended Biddulph switch to a weekly waste pick-up since residents don't like the current bi-weekly arrangement. At its August 6 council meeting, Biddulph made a motion to jointly ten- der garbage and recycling with Lucan and stated the tender should be opened at the second council meeting in September. Hydro Commission Should Hydro commissioners be appointed or elected? Hotson pointed out there would only be two commissioners to be elected in order to serve with the reeve since Granton has a much smaller population than Lucan. John Currie, of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in- formed the group that representatives would not be required to live in the areas listed under the Election Act. The committee recommended the Hy- dro Commission be appointed. Currie will clarify this possibility. "You've got to answer Granton's needs somehow," said Lucan Reeve Rob Brady. Wraith suggested eliminating the Hydro Commission. "If it's not needed; just do away with it," he said. Currie responded by saying there must be a Hydro Commission in place. Biddulph Deputy Reeve Herman Steffens suggested holding Hydro meet- ings before or after council meetings in a move to save money and time. Title changes? In an effort to show leadership in Middlesex County, French suggested changing the title names of reeve and deputy reeve to mayor and deputy mayor. Following discussion, it was decided to keep the original titles. Who has say? French enquired whether or not the Minister could appoint a commis- sioner to override the work of local municipalities. Currie replied although this would likely not happen, it is a possibility. Feelings on amalgamation Lucan Reeve Rob Brady mentioned he's received positive comments on the prospect of amalgamation. It was discussed how people opposed to re- structuring discuss it among themselves rather than with local politicians. As for Middlesex County, added Brady, "I just think there's no political will outside Lucan and Biddulph." French agreed there is "a lot of procrastination" happening within the county concerning restructuring. "Most other municipalities seem to be taking a wait-and-see attitude," stated the meeting's minutes. 1 ThESHARPEST DEALS IN TOWN Corolla DX Plus $24lease for 9 per month/48 months with only S1,000 down 1996 Corolla DX Plus with air conditioning & automatic transmission See your Ontario Toyota Dealer. p tBased on a 48 mos. walkaway lease on Corolla DX Plus model BAO5EH-D with down payment of $1,000. First payment and security deposit of $300 due on delivery. Total lease obligation of $12,952 and purchase option price of $8,500 based on max. of 96,000 kms. Additional km charge of $0.07 if appli- cable. R _ t , frao. EXETER TOYOTA 242 Male 8t. 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