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Vol. 132 Number 47 PORT PERRY, ONTARIO - WED. OCT. 14, 1998 Arrival of higher tax bills causes flood of calls By Chris Hall Port Perry Star As predicted, the arrival of tax bills last week resulted in a barrage of phone calls to the township, says Scugog treasurer Kathryn McCann. "We had quite a number come 1n, and also a lot of phone calls during the early part of last week," she said, adding that her staff field- ed almost 150 calls last Monday alone. A number of changes imple- mented by the province -- including shifting education taxes and intro- ducing a new assessment formula -- have resulted in some hefty increases for some Scugog taxpay- ers. "Probably a third of all the calls were about the phase-ins (for increases over $500) and a lot of people called asking why education was still on their tax bill; many people were under the impression that it was being picked up by the government," said Ms McCann. "It's been changed around a bit, but it's definitely still there." While township staff also answered a large number of inquiries about deferrals for seniors and the disabled, they didn't really have to contend with any upset residents, said Ms McCann. "Nobody was really angry; there was no yelling and screaming and swearing. I think, for the most part, they've realized that it wasn't us that delayed the bills or made for the big changes." Approximately 1,500 property owners in Scugog will be affected by the phase-in program, which will allow those with an annual tax increase of more than $500 or a decrease of more than $435 to see those changes introduced over a three-year period. "Everybne's trying to under- stand what's going on with their bills, but they're all slightly differ- ent circumstances," said Ms Continued on page 19 Town hall meeting ¥ # % 3 a 3 ; aE ia ii : xb IR ] Ses - . Ww ' 4 & : + eof BE i | . * #3 fF 8 a 2 8 rr % IT: + 4 k ¥ planned by council A Scugog "Town Hall" meeting has been set for Oct. 20 at the Scugog Community Centre. Scugog Mayor Doug Moffatt and council will discuss current issues . and review actions of council in the first "Town Hall" meeting for the current session of council. "There are a number of issues which require public discussion and input, such as the current budget of the township, the proposed Greater Toronto Services Board, and the role of the local municipality in the future of Durham Region," said Mayor Moffatt. The agenda for the meeting is: 07 p.m. - Opening remarks and welcome by mayor. Reports from chairs of committees followed by questions and answers; 08 p.m. - Review of new assessment and tax implications of Provincial Government initiatives, followed by questions and answers; 08:45 p.m. - G.T.S.B. proposed legislation and Scugog's response, with questions and answers; and 09:45 p.m. - Other business. Adjournment will occur at 10 p.m. This is an effort by council to ensure that residents are kept up to date on activities of the council and the impact of decisions on citizens, said the mayor. si ~N 3 Ee. WJ a) } JF £ hs . ay &, SE. JETRO Se OT SON hy ¥ ) ' = EE ! wat | tL | 3 3 CHRIS HALL / PORT PERRY STAR MR. CLEAN: With only a few warm weekends remaining, motorcycle enthusiasts are making use of every hour of daylight as they try to get those last few rides left in. When not on the road, others are shining them up and keeping them in top shape for the following year. Seagrave's Jake Thomson, 5, kept himself busy last Saturday shining Bruce Thomson's 1984 Harley Davidson while mom Bonnie entertained guests during the annual Victoria County Studio Tour. OVERRIDGE Fireplace Warehouse TR --_----. 170 Casimir St, [queens L/7@\e PORTPERRY § = | NA 085-0715 = 1=-800-688-d 751)