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www.gregmonforton.com Volume 1, Issue 52
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H -3º L -7º
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As reported from Environment Canada www.weatheroffice.gc.ca Harrow AAFC
Derbyshire turning 105 years young! Page 7
At the Arts Centre... Page 19
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
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County pulls plug on aquatic centre, regional transit Treasurer aims for ‘zero’ tax increase
By Andy Comber Essex County treasurer Rob Maisonville presented a 1.1 per cent decrease in his preliminary budget review to county councillors at their meeting, Jan. 19. But that was just the subtotal. Maisonville said the tax rate would need to increase about 13.5 per cent, if the county approved new program considerations – mostly of a regional nature. They included regional transit, countywide active transportation infrastructure, and economic development fund, a regional aquatic centre, and support of the International Children’s Games. “I am looking for some direction,” Maisonville said. The new program considerations would add about $10.2 million to the county budget, with some requiring funding spread over several years, affecting future budgets. The county is still recovering from the economic downturn, and councillors made it clear that residents do not want to see tax increases – especially in the double digits. “That is absolutely unacceptable,” said Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara. “There is not one resident in our communities who would accept that.” McNamara won support for a recommendation to pull the plug on funding for the development of a regional aquatic centre and a regional transit system. Estimates said the aquatic centre would cost at least $40 million, with at least $1.5 million to maintain it each year. Maisonville was directed to provide cost scenarios for a zero to modest one per cent tax increase, in order to add funding in support of the county-wide active transportation plan and participation in the 2013 International Children’s Games with Windsor. Essex Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche noted that city came to the county “after the fact” in asking for a partnership in the Children’s Games bid. But the city was more likely to benefit from the visit by the expected 1,500 athletes, with their supporting coaches and families, he said. “They have the hotels.” Councillors wanted more information on the economic development fund, a job creation initiative proposed by Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis. Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos suggested the county open up more dialogue with the city on the issue. County council was not ready to move on the information it has now he said. “We have to understand what we are taking on. You heard tonight, there is no appetite for this.” The county did give advance approval to the 2011 rehabilitation program with an estimated value of $4.7 million, as presented in a comprehensive report by county engineer Tom Bateman. The county has realized significant cost savings with pre-budget commitments, introduced in 2005, for the early development and release of tenders associated with bridge, culvert and road projects. The county did receive some good news in support of the local economy. Windsor and Essex County has been named one of the top seven intelligent communities in the world, by the Intelligent Community Forum. A decision on the top community is expected in June, said county CAO Brian Gregg. “This puts us on the map internationally. Investors do recognize this.”
Snowboarding fun
Eleven-year-old Bethany Torode makes snowboarding look easy as she glides down the hill at Seacliff Park on Monday afternoon, January 24. Bethany has been snowboarding for about one year and enjoys getting outside to try out her board. Bethany is a student at Gore Hill Public School. She is the daughter of Bill and Mary Anne Torode of Leamington. (SUN Photo)