NEWS: Huckleberry Layoffs
COMMUNITY: Sledtown BBQ Party
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Huckleberry Mine suspends pit operations By Chris Gareau Black Press
Imperial Metals Corporation has confirmed Huckleberry Mine has suspended pit operations, affecting 100 of its 260 employees. The balance of its work force will continue milling stockpiled ore. The mine laid off 20 employees a month ago in an effort to reduce costs as copper prices have plummeted last year due to a decline in world demand. Huckleberry chief operating officer Randall Thompson told Black Press at the time that more layoffs were not expected for the next few weeks. Huckleberry spokesperson and Imperial Metals vice president of corporate affairs Steve Robertson said the 120 people laid off
Huckleberry Mine (pictured above) has suspended pit operations, resulting in the laying off of close to 100 employees. Those laid off will be put on a call back list for rehire on the basis of seniority when copper prices improve. Huckleberry spokesperson, Steve Robertson says that Huckleberry still has mining value and its resources will be preserved until the mine can be operated at a profit. File photo/Black Press
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“Huckleberry still has value.” - Steve Robertson Imperial Metals
are pit workers including truck drivers and driller. “I think the point to be made here is that Huckleberry still has value. There’s ore at depth that we would look forward to in future years in the mine plant, and it doesn’t make any sense to pursue that at a loss at this time,” said Robertson. “We’re trying to preserve that resource for some time in the future when the mine can be operated at a profit.” See MINE on Page 2
Council publishes policy on tax exemptions By Xuyun Zeng Houston Today
Council has approved a policy for organizations wanting to apply for a tax exemption. The document, entitled Permissive Tax Exemption Policy, outlines the process and criteria necessary for an organization to get an exemption. “Upon the arrival of our finance director
(Carolyn Bidwell), it was brought up to me immediately that she was getting calls from various organizations and were wondering as to when they could apply for permissive tax [exemptions],” said District chief administrative officer Michael Glavin. Glavin said that having this policy “was a very good idea” as it will “move the process very transparently.” Glavin
“It’s a well-timed policy right now because we are coming into our budgets,”
- Michael Glavin Chief Administrative Officer, District of Houston
also added the policy lists specific deadlines. “They have a very specific deadline that
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The policy lists July 31 as the yearly deadline, and application packages will be available at the District office. “It’s a well-timed policy right now because we are coming into our budgets,” said Glavin. The policy states that a tax exemption is meant for the District to “support organizations within the community which further Council’s
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