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dai 16 -- PORT PERRY STAR REAL ESTATE -- Wednesday, May 23, 1990 C.A.U.T responds to recreation study From Page 12 Mr. Howard Hall, Scugog Township's current mayor, was the chairman of that 1974 Arena Building Committee. Sixteen years later, Scugog ratepayers are still paying (cur- rently $7.00 additional on their tax bills) to keep the Scugog Arena operating out of the red. Therefore, it seems apparent that no profit has ever been acknowledged from the present arena to help offset the debenture payment used in its construction. Now we are being told that for only $28.00 Scugog ratepayers will be able to keep the proposed Scugog Centre from operating in the red. But ... we still have to find the money to construct it. So now we will illustrate the realities of fun- ding to construct such a facility as has been proposed in Scugog Township. The capital construction costs of such an undertaking as the Scugog Centre are estimated to run at between $6.5 and $7.5 million, in 1989 dollars. Tradi- tionally no construction costs run less than estimates. Just compare the price difference from the 1987 Feasibility Study (page 105) of $3.35 to $4.5 million, to the estimated cost of construction just two years later in the 1989 Feasibility Study of $6.5 to $7.5 million. On page 56 of the 1989 Sesquaig Feasibility Study it lists, "Ap- proaches to Capital Funding" "1. A parcel of land at Scugog Centre could be rezoned for commercial development and sold to a private concern that would be undertaken to construct and operate a facili- ty that would be compatible with a recreation centre." C.A.U.T.S's response: From the 1987 Feasibility Study (page 113), Subject No. 79: '"That the Township take steps to secure first right of refusal on the various small parcels of land ad- jacent to the site." In the 1989 Study it is recom- mended that Scugog Township sell township owned lands to pro- vide funding for the proposed Scugog Centre. The recommenda- tions of Sesquaig took a complete reversal in the two years between their studies. Is it right to sell off taxpayers' publicly owned lands for the sole purpose of financing the construc- tion of Scugog Centre? Selling off Scugog Township's real estate equity does not seem to be a very sound business decision. 2. Provincial Government Grants (for the complete details see pages 56 and 57 of the 1989 study). C.A.U.T.'s response: If a capital grant of up to one-third of the first $1.5 million MAY BE AVAILABLE, together with one- tenth of the remaining net eligible cost that exceeds $1.5 million, on capital construction of $7.5 million, grants MIGHT equal $1.1 million. A Capital Conservation grant, also from the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, for required im- provements to the existing arena, may be available for one-third of eligible costs, to a maximum grant of $100,000. But priority is given to projects that were built BEFORE 1974. If C.A.U.T.'s figuring is correct this possible total of $1.2 million in government grants is the only existing funds available (shown in the 1989 study) for the construc- tion of the proposed $7.5 milljon Scugog Centre. Using th or- mation available to us through the 1989 Feasibility Study, the re- maining $6.3 million will be up to the Scugog taxpayers to raise. 3. Public Fundraising. C.A.U.T.'s response: Although Scugog residents are traditional- ly generous people, the current Scugog Memorial Hospital Building Fund has not yet reach- ed its maximum goal, and the -hospital expansion is a project which will benefit the entire com- munity. Public fundraising has too many variables to guarantee any specific amount of money. And with the current slow economic situation, most businesses and individuals are tightening their purse strings. 4. Lot Levies. C.A.U.T.'s response: On May 16, 1990, during an interview with Pat Smith at CKLY Radio Station 920, Lindsay, Scugog Township's Clerk-Administrator, Earl Cuddie stated that Scugog Township's building starts to date in 1990 numbered only 27, compared to their 1989 figure for the same time period of 63. With the depressed real estate market it s unlikely that the building situation will improve significantly in Scugog Township in the near future. The Port Perry Star issue of April 17, 1990 reported that a development freeze for any new- ly proposed development in Port Perry which requires sewage hookup has been imposed because the sewage lagoons are now operating at capacity. Therefore there will be no future housing developments on stream for Port Pery which require sewage hookup. Because of the slow building situation in Scugog Township the funds obtained from lot levies will decline, proving yet another un- sure area of financing for the pro- posed Scugog Centre. 5. Debenturing. C.A.U.T.'s response: Debentur- ing is similar to the township tak- ing out a mortgage. Here are some of the figures which we have worked out for you. If every Scugog Household (of which there are 6,555) agreed to pay a one-time fee to cover the capital cost of construction of the new Scugog Centre, based on the $6.3 million which is not covered by possible government grants, it would cost each household $961.10 in present day dollars. This would cover only the capital cost of con- struction (not including interest), and would not include the annual costs to operate and maintain the facility. If the $6.3 million is borrowed to build the new Scugog Centre and amortized over a period of 5 years at 10% interest (which is conser- vative compared with current in- terest rates), the principal of $6.3 million plus the interest of $1,692,751., over 5 years equals a total cost of $7,992,751. This would add $243.87 extra to your tax bill every year for five years until the capital construction costs (prin- cipal and interest) are paid. Then after paying the $243.87 extra on your tax bill for the capital construction costs you will still have to pay your $28.00 tax for operating and maintaining the facility, as well as a user fee for the actual use of the facility. 6. Reserve Funds. C.A.U.T.'s response: Reserve funds are monies held in reserve by the Scugog Township Council, usually set aside for emergencies. Although no minimum has to be kept in reserve, it is advised by the provincial government to do SO. If money is taken from the reserve funds it has to be replac- ed through the Scugog Township budgeting process. Therefore, you as a taxpayer are replacing. the reserve funds. In the Port Perry Star issue of April 3, 1990, Mayor Howard Hall warned that in Scugog Township's 7.9% no-fat 1990 budget some capital items that were left out of the 1990 budget will have to be put in the budget next year or the year after. One area of the budget that took a severe trimming was the roads department with a cut from $2,788,800. in 1989, wn to $2,486,047. in 1990. This €ut in the road budget will affect all tax- payers using essential road ser- vices in Scugog Township. In setting the 1990 budget, the finance committee was faced with shrinking revenues from lot levies and assessment growth. It is pro- jected that the growth in Scugog Township will only be 3.2% in 1990. In 1989 the Township Council put $324,000. into reserve funds. In the 1990 budget the figure dropped to $218,000. being put ito reserve funds. It is C.AU.T.'s feeling that there has been no long-term finan- cial planning to proceed with the . construction of the Scugog Cen- 'tre; and there is no money cur- rently available to begin the project other than the possible $1.2 million which might be available from government grants. Sesquaig's Feasibility Study was well researched and well presented to Scugog Township's Council and residents but C.A.U.T. feels that Scugog residents have been mislead in the financial aspects of the pro- posed Scugog Centre. Although Scugog Centre would be an impressive addition to our township, it is difficult to justify the excessive costs during this time of extreme taxation, an- ticipated recessions, layoffs, strikes and cutbacks. Many Scugog residents are already hav- ing difficulty making ends meet. Our current high municipal tax increases are not even maintain- ing the municipal services which we now receive in Scugog. The an- ticipated tax increases in 1990 will be: Municipal portion of Scugog Tax Bill - up 7.9% from 1989; Regional portion of Scugog Tax Bill - up 11.2% from 1989; Durham Board of Education portion of Seugog Tax Bill - up 14% from 1989; Separate School Board (budget has not yet been passed, increase unknown). Add to these tax increases the cost of building, maintaining and operating a new sports facyity. Can you afford it? C.A.U.T. is not against progress but let's make all the facts available to Scugog municipal taxpayers before any complex of this magnitude is begun. $28.00 - Don't be mislead. There's no free lunch. A public meeting on the issue of the Scugog Centre will be held on June 11, 1990 from 7 to 9 p.m. in « the Scugog Township Municipal office. Notify the Municipal office if you wish to present your con- cerns before council at that meeting. Written letters will be acknowledged by council as well. Call your local councillor to voice your opinions. And do it now. Scugog Municipal Office 985-7346. Mayor Howard Hall 985-2367. Regional Councillor Yvonne Christie 985-2254. Area Councillor Don Cochrane 985-2788. Ward 1 (Reach Twp.) Coun- cillor Neil Hunter 985-7456. Ward 2. (Port Perry) Coun- cillor Marilyn Pearce 985-9250. Ward 3 (Scugog Island) Coun- cillor Allan Goreski 985-3191. Ward 4 (Cartwright Twp.) Councillor Glenn Malcolm 986-4409. Nestleton-Caesarea news Comment: With cold, unseasonable weather for Vic- toria Day weekend; the first long holiday; was most disappointing. Trust those who travelled the busy highway over the weekend; had a safe and happy holiday! Birthday Celebrated Cliff and Chris Davis, Hyde House, Scugog Point Rd., hosted a wonderful birthday party for 12 year old Carle; with 16 friends ... boys and girls ... present for this great occasion in Carle's life. It was held in the Rec Room ... with many gifts and a gorgeous cake; to make it special! They had lots of fun and games, etc. Our best wishes to Carle for many more! Nestleton Presbyterian Church Rev. Wm. Fairley conducted the service at 11:00 a.m. with Shirley Scott capably playin the organ. Responsive Psalm reading was No. 68, and Scripture readings were from II Kings 20, and St. John 14:15-27. Flowers gracing the Chancel were in memory of the late Mr. Grant Thompson. Next Sunday, Rev. Alex Caulder of Peter- borough will be in the pulpit. On June 3rd Rev. Fairley will return. The sermon was on Ascension Day, May 24. Ascension Day should be celebrated as the final appearance of our Lord to his disciples and friends and not His actual ascension which was on Easter Sunday. Let us worship knowing Jesus has ascended to reign at the right hand of God and also reigns in our hearts and homes. 55th Anniversary Party The 56th anniversary party for the _Honeydale Branch was delightful; with a good represen- tation from the Branches within the Ontario South District, to make it a unique occasion. Other special guests were welcomed as well! Anniversaries are for reminiscing and we surely had plenty of that. All this was topped off with good food and a time of socializing. Blue Ray Chapter Blue Ray Chapter, No. 238, Order of the Eastern Star, held a great celebration on Thursday, May 10th, for their 42nd birthday party. It was held in the Masonic Temple, Port Perry, with W.M. sister Jane Galbraith in the East assisted by W.P. brother Alastair Newsome. Chaplain sister Joyce Taylor led in prayer and the Canadian Flag was presented at the altar ... and escorted to the East by acting Marshal brother Wilfred Alexander. Conductress Laura Alton had the honour of presenting General Grand Chapter tommittee member brother Brian Lee Past Grand Patron, and Past Grand Matron Sheila Anderson of Ontario. They were escorted to the East and given Grand Hopours. Grand Representatives from Louisiana and Alabama of Ontario - Erline Finnie PDDGM and Barbara Mosier PM were welcomed also, many PDDGM's and Past Matrons and Past Patrons from various Chapters of Ontario. The Sick & Sunshine convener gave a good report on the sick; and under Sunshine, brother Sam Cawker P.P. was honoured with the new S.A. Cawker School bear- ing his name. Many members were present for the celebration! Two members were presented with 25 year pins. Kathleen Walker was presented with her pin by her sister Isobell Wilson ... Sheila Anderson P.G.M. who in- itiated Marilyn Jones into the Order 25 years ago; presented Marilyn with her Blue Ray on at- taining 'their 42nd birthday and extended best wishes for many more. Lunch conveners Carol Morrow and Joyce Taylor and committee served a most tempting buffet lunch complemented by a lovely birthday cake. The winners for the Birthday Draw were Wilson Pring - a hamper of groceries. Jeanette Alexander a cheque for $25.00. Pat Taylor - a china Bluebird and Diana Quaas - the Floral Arrangement. Another happy milestone in the life of Blue Ray Chapter. Nestleton United Church In spite of nasty weather prevailing, a good attendance for Nestleton United on Sunday, May 20, 1990. The friendly greeters were Robert and Carol Mairs, Steven & Katie. Prelude: Stacey & Kim Headon & Katie Mairs. In the choir the quartet, composed of Janice, Kay, Regenia & Kathy, sang "Bring Back the Spring- time" with Gwen Malcolm atten- ding at the organ. Rev. Dale Davis spoke on "Growing Old Together' based on Leviticus, Proverbs, and Mark read by Bernice Mairs. The children enjoyed the story about "honouring older people" treating them as you wish to be treated. The flowers gracing the Sanc- tuary were in memory of the late Mr. Frank Hoskins & Mr. Grant Thompson. Robert Mairs gathered the of- fering. Service closed with "Saviour, Again to Thy Dear Name" Benediction and Three Fold Amen. Sympathy Extended Sorry, to hear of the passing of Mr. Frank Hoskin & Mr. Grant . Thompson. These gentlemen will be greatly missed in their respec- tive communities by all. Our sincere sympathy to their wives and families. Community Church Caesarea With an average congregation on a cold, rainy Sunday, the ser- vice was conducted by Rev. Dr. W.H. Crawford. He used as his theme: "Pity Yourself' taken from the text - Matthew 16:22-23, a good message Kathleen Watts supplied organ music. Next week - a special speaker, at 11 a.m. worship. The sunshine club meets on Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. Notice: keep in mind - the Blackstock & District (Cart- wright) Lioness Club will be hosting their annual Lobsterfest & Steak dinner on Saturday, June 9th, 1990, at the Blackstock Recreation Centre, the fresh Lobster & Rib Steak dinner will be served from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Following dinner, music will be provided by Sprague's Sound Ex- travaganza for your dancing sure. Advance ticket sales on- y. For prices call Sharon Wright 986-4461 or Joan Gauthier 986-5335.