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eT pen uiiadiaiene. Aber Lh L aol Ll VO Ty 8 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, April 3, 2001 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" LETTERS Arrears not the onl To the Editor: Regarding the letter by L.N. Thompson "Avoid a tax hike: Chase the Arrears," | would like to clarify a few issues for our taxpayers. First of all the tax collector in Scugog actively pursues those in tax arrears and in fact the percentage in arrears has dropped 2 per cent in the past year mak- - ing Scugog lower in outstanding taxes than many of our neighbouring municipal- ities. We tend to focus our energies on those in arrears of three years as there is no legal action the' municipality can take at this time on those in arrears one to two years (besides charging interest and issu- ing reminders) but after three years we can do a title search, notify the mortgage holder (if property is mortgaged and/or list property for tax sale). Most arrears are paid as soon as the mortgage holder gets involved. However, there are presently three tax sales pend- ing. In the past the municipality has used a bailiff to collect outstanding business taxes but have never considered it for res- idential arrears. That's not to say council may not re-consider this approach in the future. The much larger issue of our tax arrears situation is that when a taxpayer chooses "not to pay their taxes, provincial regula- tions require that the local municipality must still pay the regional and school levies. We are in effect carrying tax arrears for the other levels of government. Maybe if all levels of municipal gov- ernment were required to carry their own arrears, we would have more assistance in collections. The fact that we charge 15 per cent annual interest on arrears sends a clear message that we take the non-pay- ment issue seriously. However the security we have in terms of collecting would make private business envious. If a- property is sold, the back taxes are collected first. Those in arrears can pay now or pay much more later but they will pay. Tax arrears generate interest of $40 to 50,000 a month for this munici- pality. The majority of taxpayers pay their taxes. Unfortunately there are always those who for one reason or another do not. The township will continue to make every attempt to "chase the arrears" but | do not want to live in a community where we foreclose on a homeowner the first time they miss a tax payment. The penal- ties are stiff, the municipality will collect in the long run and we will continue to try and govern with a sense of compassion as y solution to rising taxes well as "like a business." In conclusion on Monday, March 26. (the day prior to the Thompson letter being in the paper) council adopted a capital budget that increased funding to the library collection, implements a year- round controlled access to the boat launch to increase revenues, and approved a funding model for an outdoor pool and a skateboard park (municipal contribution of $20,000) that will not impact on the local capital tax levy. I too pay taxes in this municipality and holding the line on tax increases is always the goal; but sometimes costs go up as they do in every business. Council is actively trying to minimize this year's impact on our taxpayers. Marilyn Pearce Councillor Ward 2 Litter and trash mar the spring landscape To the Editor: I am writing this letter to express a very real concern Ihave about our town. As you all know, we have been blessed to be able to live in this uniqie and spe- cial community. I don't need to expound on the virtues of our beautiful lake and picturesque countryside as I'm sure you are fully aware of the advantages of living in Scugog Township, specifically Port Perry. It is a location that appeals to all ages and inter- ests and provides us with a valued link to our roots and heritage. However, some of us are becoming cal- lous, indifferent and spoiled in the way' we treat our town. As we travel in our cars, caught up in our demanding and hectic lives, I'm sure most of us don't notice the disgusting condition of our streets, parks, sidewalks, school yards and lakefront. But if you have occasion to walk about and really look at what's there, I think you can't help but be as saddened, disgusted and angry as lam. : Litter and trash are everywhere - paper products such as newspapers, flyers, wrappers and coffee cups plus canned, plastic and glass soft drink containers. Our shopping areas and strip malls are like huge magnets for all our throwaway products - a sure sign of our complacency and careless attitudes. I am certain that those responsible for this blight on our town amount to no more than five to 10 per cent of our citizens but they have a devastating impact on all of us who live in or visit this community. To put out more garbage.and recycling containers might be worthwhile although I'm"not convinced that those who would throw their garbage on the ground in the first place would be inclinéd to use such facilities anyway. Attitudes of respect and concern for the environment must be taught and practiced at home for all our young peo- ple. Adults must lead by example - don't be afraid to speak up in a polite but firm manner if you see someone spoiling our streets, parks or lake - or be willing to pick up the odd can, bottle or paper even if it isn't ours. We all have a stake in this community, it is up to us as responsible citizens to demand respect for our land and water or as surely as I'm writing this letter we'll lose this magnificent place. Surely signs encouraging environmen- tal awareness and responsibility could be placed strategically around town. Additional litter and recycling containers might hopefully help. Law enforcement in the form of stiff fines might also be an effective deterrent. The future and well-being of our com- munity of Port Perry depends upon our action or inaction. Gerry Deanike Port Perry To the Editor: Once again hockey season is over for most of our Port Perry Minor Hockey league players. Another season of challenges and successes and lots of fun for all. All too often we tend to get caught up in the moment of those final playoff games, and before we know it that last game is behind you. The big question is -- did we take the time to say thank you to all those who have made this season possible? XA EAREAA RE RE) BOD 68 6 AAAAA A A AATA AR ATATAYAY A big thanks to hockey league boosters All those from our community who helped lead, coach, manage, encourage, support and hold our teams together. Without the time and dedication of so many of you, we would not have the terrific hockey league that we do. Please recognize that the parents and players of our community appreciate all that you do. 'Heidi McKitterick Unwanted papers To the Editor: Now that the snow is melting what appears up and down our road but yellow plastic bags containing newspapers. Throughout the winter these papers have been carelessly thrown week after week. I'm assuming they are not wanted or would the homeowners not have picked | them up? I have: requested by phone that this paper not be left at our address but after a short time it is yet again thrown on our revealed by thaw property. Upon inquiring at their office as to how this issue can be resolved | am never given a satisfactory response. It is my hope that those people who in fact would like delivery of "This Week" contact their office and request that a special mail- box be installed at their home. Might this be a better solution than pol- luting our environment with plastic? Donna McMullen, Scugog Island Rising pumping prices To the Editor: I just had to-comment on a couple of let- ters that appeared in the March 27 Port Perry Star. Mayor Moffatt has made some sort of pledge about the environment. | have to ask what is being done about the problems with people letting their septic tanks pump into neighbours' backyards. Nobody seems to want to do anything about this. The reason some people are letting their sewers go is because of the savage increases we are being nailed with to have them pumped out. We pay taxes in this region and why should we have to pay twice for the use of the sewage treatment facilities? We pay to have the tanks pumped, and we have to pay for the use of the treatment facilities. Our taxes should more than take care of the cost to use the treatment facilities. Why should we pay twice? As far as | am concerned we have more than paid for the use of those facilities. Something has to be done soon or anoth- . er Walkerton is just waiting to happen here. Prices for septic cleanings have to be lowered back to normal ($75 to $80), that is bad 'enough. And once the prices are lowered they have to be regulated. My family has our tank pumped once a month. Not too many people living on a fixed budget can afford these prices every creating septic tank crisis month. Someone has to help us. Another letter talks about tax increases. If there are that many taxes in arrears then they should be collected immediately. Why should we be nailed again for these increases? Before a new pool, ice rink, skateboard park or even new municipal offices are considered, these environmental con- cerns, arrears taxes etc. need to be dealt with. How can people afford increased taxes, increased septic charges, increased heat- ing costs, increased gasoline prices, and the possibility of increased sick time because of the environmental disaster waiting to happen? We pay our taxes, we should have access to the sewage treatment facilities, and access to someone who cares enough about our environment to do something. Increased taxes can't be justified until we get the value from our tax dollars we have already paid. The new offices, a skateboard park, ice rink, pool are insignificant when weighed against the possibility of another Walkerton. Something has to be done now. Isn't there someone out there who will do something about this? Thomas White, Caesarea Letters: editorial@portperrystar.com RR anh --------