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-- "A Family Tradition for 133 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, March 2, 199949 Scugog councillors aim for budget in late April From page 1 more comfortable on March 1 this year than one year ago, when it seemed doubtful if a municipal budget would ever be struck. As it turned out, the budget was finally passed late in September last year because of the delays from downloading and transfers of responsibili- ties by the provincial gov- ernment. This year the budget target date had been April 1. It now looks like the end of April before a final budget will be approved, the mill rate struck and Scugog ratepayers find out exactly how much more in property taxes they will be paying in 1999. It could be later for business taxes, however. The township was not able to mail out interim busi- ness tax bills because the local treasury department is still waiting for a com- plicated computer pro- gram from Queen's Park, which was supposed to have been in place Feb. As for why the local spending may have to increase slightly this year, there are several reasons, including recent contract negotiations with union- ized staff, which gave workers a wage increase for the first time since 1991. They'll see a 2.5 per cent increase this year, and 3.7 per cent after that. Similar increases apply to non- union municipal staff as well. Council so far has not increased its own rate of pay, but 1999 is the year in which the salaries paid the mayor and councillors are scheduled to be reviewed. As well, Councillor The . Christian Children's Canada presents The Glory of Easter, a thou- sand children's voices with The Salvation Army Band, organ and piano with Uxbridge Youth Local singers in Easter concert Fund of Choir. The event will take place on Saturday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Massey Hall, Toronto. Tickets are $25 and are available from TicketMaster (416) 870- 8000. ind lode] N\V/ ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE 1949----March 1---1999 With thanks to God we are pleased to be celebrating the 50th Wedding Anniversary of our parents ATE and ROELIE DEJONG (nee Staalsmid) we wish to invite you to help us celebrate this happy occasion at an open house on March 6, 1999 from 2pm to 4pm at Durham Christian Home Providence Place, 100 Glen Hill Drive South, Whitby, in the 10th Floor Lounge Best Wishes Only Please oloF NN [O®] convocation of their daughter Julie Corden, from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, with the designation of Chartered Accountant, on February 20, 1999. Julic is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics along with a Diploma in Accounting. She is presently employed in the Toronto North office of Deloitte and Touche, an intemational public accounting firm. Congratulations from sister Christie and fiancé Mike Shepley 40" Anniversary Bob and Dianne (Gimblett) Gatchell were married February 27, 1959 Congratulations and best wishes for many more years to come Terry, Kelly, Sarah & Robert Dave & Cindy Jackie & Robert Roy and Catherine Corden are proud to announce the Gadsden --who spent 10 hours over the weekend preparing for Monday's budget meeting -- said that for the last several years, many departments put off making necessary capital purchases. This year, some catch-up is unavoidable. "The years of deferring (purchases) are catching up to us," said the finance chairman. Also, though nowhere near as severe this year, provincial downloading is still impacting to a degree on municipal bud- gets. gFor example, the Scugog Shores Museum is asking for an increase in its operating grant from the township, because it appears as if the provin- cial grant to museums will be cut this year by 50 per cent. On Monday, the com- mittee made its $300,000 in spending cuts by defer- ring some projects in the roads department, and by not earmarking $140, 000 from reserves for a new fire hall in Port Perry some time in the future. Councillor Gadsden said the cuts in estimates will not be noticed by ratepayers, as they don't impact directly on levels of service.or programs. And there have been no cuts to staff levels, he said. Ice rental rates at the two arenas are staying the same, he noted. However, the committee is looking at ways to increase revenues and to cut spending estimates to Every Used Car Reduced! hold the line on the annu- al subsidies to the arena operating budgets. One thing beyond the control of local council is the regional budget. Councillor Gadsden said it appears that Durham will increase spending hy under 3 per cent, and this will be passed down to the area municipalities. "We are still aiming for zero (no increase in local spending) but practicali- ties tell me that may be impossible this year,"he said. VY ge ITER VL LC [ER Te [lo] ¢ Details. Sale Starts Saturday, March 6* (sales lasts 7 days) LAUT E for all Trade-Ins, Our Entire Plus Over 3 Coed Vehicles Windshield Priced to Sell. NO CREDIT APPLICATION REFUSED! GSA SAAS A. RAIA SABI IBAA IAS SRI NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS ** CAUTION IF YOU MISS THIS SALE YOU WILLPAY TOO MUCH PONTIAC BUICK LIMITED 10 Vanedward Drive, Port Perry 985-8474