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"A Family Tradition for 130 Years" \ Boards warned of big cuts coming Road budget overspent again, committee learns By John B. McClelland Port Perry Star It looks like the Township roads bud- get will run a deficit of about $100,000 this year, according to figures released Monday morning by the treasury depart- ment. Spending on roads up to Dec. 4 has been just over $2 million, while the allo- cated budget for 1996 is $1.9 million. Road committee chair Marilyn Pearce told the finance meeting on Monday that the $100,000 deficit coming up this year is at least an improvement over 1995, when the red ink ran to $172,000. And the reason for the on-going deficit problems, she said, is a failure by the provincial government in its roads grant allocation process to recognize that Scugog has unique needs when it comes to properly looking after all its roads. Scugog has been trying for several years without success to get the province to change the model it uses in allocating roads grants, said Mayor Howard Hall. "We could not get to first base on this with the Minister of Highways," said the Mayor, despite several high level meetings including one with the minister a couple of years ago. Mayor Hall said Scugog's roads cogts are Rio er than other municipalities because of the large number or dead end roads around the lakeshore. It just costs more to plow and sand these roads, he said. Other than the projected deficit for the roads department, finance committee chairman Ken Gadsden said he is pleased with spending, which appears to be right on target to meet allocated budgets. But with preparations now underway for the 1997 municipal budget, the finan- cial restraints are getting tighter all the time, said Councillor Gadsden. All municipal departments have beén asked to trim their budgets significantly in light of the fact Scugog is expecting provincial transfer grants will be chopped once again for 1997. Councillor Gadsden noted that Scugog has not had a tax hike at the local level for the last five years. He said the finance committee is hoping to meet a similar target when it sets the 1997 mill rate. All departments have been asked to submit op budgets by, dan. 30 for review by the finance co ioe and treasury officials, and March 24 has been set as the date for final council approval of the 1997 Township budget. Councillor Gadsden said tho Toni is in fairly healthy financial shape as there are no debenture debts to contend with and there are funds in reserve accounts. However, all township organizations, such as hall boards that receive munici- pal funds each year, have been told to expect a 25 per cent reduction in 1997. y . The two sighed books, pos " "Operation Migration". Mr. Duff, a new home-owner on S Away Home", with their exp Jeff Daniels. : Christmas List 'S oH} HHH] eet TH 88s ~ a a (HH i ] Fragrances for HIM & HER Farer v From $35 to $80 "BR@CK'S Service. Quality & Style Since 1881 168 Queen St., Port Perry 985-2521 2 2 OFF OFF % Mens & Ladies Sleepwear % Mens & Ladies Robes Tabi Co-ordinates Buy 1 get the 2nd for 1/2 PRICE! % OFF OFF % OFF AR theit by Christian Dior SEN EVES of equalor lesser value Selected Mens & Ladies Sweaters % Selected Ladies Necklaces Mens & Ladies Wallets *excluding Joe Boxer sale ends Dec. 24, 1996 open until 8:30pm WEEKNIGHTS until 6:00pm