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Volume 8, Issue 47
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9 Erie St. N. Leamington 326-2222
DR.STEVE SCHIEFER invites you to visit him at his new location
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519-326-8413 Weekend Weather Thursday
H -4º L -6º
Friday
H -3º L -4º
Saturday
H 2º L 0º
Sunday
H 2º L -1º
As reported from Environment Canada www.weatheroffice.gc.ca Harrow AAFC
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
County portion of 2018 tax bill up 1.54%
By Jolene Perron The 2018 budget has been approved by Essex County council unanimously and it comes with a 1.54 per cent tax increase. “I think it’s great news for the county,” said County of Essex Warden Tom Bain. “I think it just shows the work that’s been done in the last 10, 15 years that we’ve gotten ourselves at a point now where we have an excellent base as far as reserves are concerned and we are able to meet any needs that come along, as far as infrastructure goes. I’m really pleased with that small increase.” The 1.54 per cent translates into a $14.46 increase on a home valued at $200,000. The total county operating budget requirements have increased to $95,645,480. There is a $600,000 increase in the county’s commitment to the new Windsor-Essex Hospital System levy, which will be a repeating trend until 2025. The municipal contribution is $200 million over 10 years, with the county contribution being $90-$95 million. Other highlights of the budget include a 1.5 per cent levy increase for capital project funding valued at $1,345,500, an incremental increase to rehabilitation program valued at $420,000, an incremental increase to the CWATS program valued at $100,000 and the Civic Centre acquisition and equipment and machinery amortization valued at $350,000. For county construction, the 2018 budget also highlights a total expenditure level of $35,793,090. As for county maintenance, some of the highlights include the program to replace the HPS lighting with LED, five bridge repairs and small culvert replacements, and the continued focus on upgrading line painting, CWATS maintenance and roadside operations. The county has also made the commitment to a $2.8 million equipment acquisition, which includes two tandem dump trucks, a 1.5 ton dump truck, three pick ups, a tractor with a lawn mower, a tandem truck hoist and a mini excavator. “When it comes to increases, my favorite question is ‘why do you want to raise taxes?’” explained Amherstburg mayor Aldo DiCarlo. “We don’t want to raise taxes. We have to raise taxes to compensate for our costs, the same as everyone else. It is an increase but I think it’s a very reasonable increase, right in line with the cost of living.” The Essex County Library board also brought forth some changes in their budget. They were approved for an increase from $4,829,090 in 2017, to $5,222,210 projected for 2018, an 8.1 per cent increase. Some of the reasoning for their increase included legal fees and administrative office budget overages in the 2017 year due to the work disruption, and looking to programming and outreach changes and wage and benefit increases in 2018. The 2018 budget for the Essex-Windsor EMS, which included a matter that was deferred Nov. 1 involving the development of a master plan and enhancing their response times, was also approved. “When you get to this level, I think everything is a little more clear, the numbers are tight, and I would say administration does a pretty good job of laying out exactly what is required which leaves not a whole lot of questions,” said DiCarlo. “I can’t imagine what you would disagree with because it’s so focused on roads and services and so when you break it all down, it’s very accountable.”
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LDSS students collect over 55,000 cans for Food Bank On Friday, December 8, Grade 12 students from Leamington District Secondary School were out in the community colleting cans, non-perishables and financial donations for the Leamington Goodfellows annual can drive. Each year a friendly competition is held between the students. For the first time since 2013 the boys had come out on top! (SUN Photo)
(SEE STORY ON PAGE 10)
Holiday Program will assist over 800 area families be challenging in many respects. The generosity of individuals, organizations and businesses in the community is reflected in the gratitude of these families. The faces of children light up as they wake up Christmas morning to find gifts under a tree. Youth are able to stay warm with the comfort of a new
coat. Youth who are living independently receive towels, bedding and personal items, which reduces their financial burden. To make a cash donation or to provide new clothing, new unwrapped toys, household items or food vouchers, contact 519-252-1171, ext. 3236.
ARE YOUR WINDOWS COVERED WITH CONDENSATION?
1964 Rd 3 East Kingsville
Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation’s Holiday Program will assist over 800 families who receive services provided by Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society. For many of these families who face a number of insurmountable circumstances, this time of year can
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