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8 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013 `Steady as you go' budget in Guelph/Eramosa Rent relief for the Rockwood food bank, more road reconstruction projects and a second molok ­ a device for collecting doggie do ­ are some of the items added to the Guelph/Eramosa Township Council at its pre-Christmas budget meeting. If approved as presented, the budget requires a tax levy of $5.02-million dollars, a 6.45 per cent tax increase. Asked to characterize the spending plan, Mayor Chris White called it a "steady as you go" budget, adding that if it passes, it will maintain infrastructure spending and provide staff with a 1.2 per cent salary increase. "The whole objective is to have a blended tax rate (County, Township and school boards) that is as low as (the rate of) inflation," White said on Friday, adding the Township's share of the total County tax bill is 20 per cent. He hopes when County Council approves it budget on January 4, it will include an increase, that when blended with the Township's 6.45 per cent increase, will result in an overall tax hike below two per cent. White said the Township will not give its budget final approval until GUELPH/ERAMOSA LEVEE: Approximately 25 citizens attended the Rockwood and District Lions and Lionesses New Years Day levee at Rockmosa where Lions president Bob Jestin (third from right) welcomed Guelph/Eramosa Township Councillors David Wolk (left), Doug Breen, Corey Woods, John Scott and Mayor Chris White. ­ Frances Learment photo after the County budget is approved, and after the Township holds a public meeting to get ratepayer input. Of the total $5.02-million budget, the lion's share - $2.4-million ­ is earmarked for public works projects, followed by $1.02-million for protection to persons and property, then $808,600 for Parks and Recreation, $571,490 for general government and $180,475 for planning. At the December 19 budget meeting, councillors made a number of changes that increased the amount to be raised through taxation by $2,689 to $5.02-million. The additions include: · $4,500 to complete the Parks and Recreation Master Plan · $3,500 to install wreath holders at the Rockwood Cenotaph · $4,000 for a second molok in Rockwood · $100,000 ­ to a total of $800,000 to complete construction of Side Road 20 · waived $6,161 for rent previously charged for East Wellington Community Services to use the former hydro building for a food bank Council also eliminated replacement of the playground equipment at Marden Park because it did not receive an anticipated Federal grant, and removed construction of Guelph Road 3 from the capital budget. Check out our FREE workshops this fall to help improve the health and quality of life of those living in East Wellington NUTRITION AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Rockwood: Tuesday Jan. 8 ~ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Erin: Thursday Jan. 10 ~ 9:30 am - 11:30 am Tips to cut energy use Ontario has introduced a wide range of energy conservation resources and incentives to help families make small changes that can provide big savings. As the temperature outside drops and energy consumption climbs, these simple tips can help improve a home's energy efficiency while managing energy use: Install a programmable thermostat: When properly set, a programmable thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10 per cent. Set your thermostat to 20°C when you're at home and 18°C when sleeping or away. Reduce drafts: Installing weatherstripping and caulking around windows, doors and dryer vents and insulated plates on outlets can help save up to 30 per cent a year on heating costs. Service your furnace: Have a qualified technician service your furnace on a regular basis to ensure it is working at maximum efficiency. Clean or change the filter regularly - a dirty filter reduces airflow and makes the furnace work harder to circulate the air. Go off-peak: Take advantage of lower energy prices during off-peak hours. Off-peak hours Erin: Thursday Jan. 31 ~ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm HEART HEALTH NUTRITION Session 2: Meal Planning for Diabetes Health Erin: Tuesday Jan. 8 ~ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Session 1: Understanding Pre-Diabetes Rockwood: Thursday Jan. 24 ~ 10:00 am - 12:00 Noon LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES PRE-DIABETES: YOUR CHANCE TO CHANGE THE FUTURE Session 1: Understanding Pre-Diabetes Rockwood: Thursday Jan. 10 ~ 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm Erin: Wednesday Jan. 16 ~ 10:00 am - 12:00 Noon are 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weeknights and all day on weekends and statutory holidays. When not in use, turn off the juice: Devices like computers, TVs, and smart phone chargers continue to consume small amounts of electricity unless they are unplugged. Try plugging these items into a power bar with a switch or timer so you can easily turn them off when they are not needed. Cover water pipes: Pipe insulation helps maintain water temperature and allows you to turn the water heater down, which saves energy. Erin Location: Erin WEllnEss CEntrE - 6 thompson CrEsCEnt Rockwood Location: roCkWood CliniC - 175 AlmA To register please go to www.ewfht.ca and click on workshops or call Leah at 519-833-9396 Ext 362