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12 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2013 County budget approved Wellington County taxpayers face a 2.4 per cent combined property tax hike this year after Council approved a $176-million budget last week. For a property assessed at $350,000, the increase is approximately $64 more this year for County, Township and school board property taxes. Warden Chris White said it was "nice" to come under the initially proposed 2.9 per cent because the County is facing some "pressures of its own" next year, including a $2-million loss in provincial transfers, and a double-digit increase in policing costs. "In 2015, we're going to be hit with a minimum 11 per cent in the OPP budget after a two-year wage freeze," White said last Thursday, adding they will also lose $2-million in transfer funding. "Then, there's federal social housing money that's disappearing ­ so there are few issues that are coming and the County needed to make sure it's house is in order, too," White said. He said the County's five-year plan includes more spending on roads, bridges, libraries and there will be further debate in coming months on a $24-million Active Transportation plan which Guelph/Eramosa Township Council ­ of which White is mayor ­ found too expensive to support, even in principle. "I think it will be scaled back, maybe in terms of focusing on off-road trails and links as opposed to a huge spine up through the County." INNIE OR OUTTIE? Show and tell took a personal turn for a couple of kids at the Rockwood Nursery School last week. ­ Frances Learment photo Developer `regrets' Rockwood mudslide Liability still an issue Charleston Homes may regret the failure of two water management ponds which unleashed a raging torrent of water, mud and debris onto Harris Street January 13, but it has not accepted liability for the incident, according to Guelph/Eramosa Township Mayor Chris White. White chaired a standing-room only meeting into the January incident at Monday's council meeting, and said insurance adjusters are now working on the claims, several which involve damage to foundations. In all, six homes were affected by the flood. White said for some homeowners there is "no trust" as they don't want to wait until fault is determined for repairs to begin. White said Charleston Homes spokesman Charlie Kuiken told the crowd he "regrets what occurred, not apology, but regrets," White said on Tuesday, adding there is still frustration as insurance adjusters deal with claims. An engineering report found when Charleston excavated a temporary sediment pond for the Noble Ridge subdivision, it degraded a berm of an existing pond which broke and overflowed. The report said the flooding occurred was an isolated incident caused by "inadequate drainage and by the developer installing temporary works on an ad hoc basis and then failing to maintain them properly," the report said. "The question of liability married or common-law couple · Plus $2,500 for each additional dependent You do not qualify if you have any of the following types of income: Interest Income over $1000, capital gains or losses, bankruptcy or self employment, rental business income. Clients should bring all their slips and if available, the Notice of Assessment from the 2011 tax year. If you qualify for this program based on the above criteria, you may call (519.856.2113) to book an appointment for is still open ­ the municipality can't go in and fix those houses as his (Charleston's) insurance adjuster figures out what happened," White said. In one instance, White said the Township did clear mud and debris from one basement where it was a health hazard to young children. He said they would recoup the $13,000 cost from Charleston. Adding insult to injury, portions of Harris the clinic location and date as noted: · March 6, 2013 in Erin ­ 5:00pm to 8:00pm · March 20, 2013 in Erin ­ 5:00pm to 8:00pm · April 10, 2013 in Rockwood ­ 5:00pm to 8:00pm · April 17, 2013 in Rockwood ­ 5:00pm to 8:00pm ROCKWOOD EUCHRE CLUB Join the EWCS Euchre Club in Rockwood ­ enjoy a friendly game of cards every Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Rockwood library. For more information, call 519.856.4214. Street will be closed in the coming weeks for what White called the "big fix" ­ installation of a massive drainage pipe ­ to avoid another flood, and that led to a whole host of concerns, including blasting and access to the area for school buses and emergency services. Earlier, White said the Township's goal is to "make the homeowners whole." NEW TO YOU STORES Are you looking for a great outfit for Valentine's Day? The Rockwood and Erin stores host a great selection of items and feature labels such as Tommy Hilfiger, Alfred Sung, Laura, FMX, Jones New York and more as well as a great selection of children and youth clothing. Our stores have all your favourite brands for less. Proceeds raised from our stores go directly back into supporting our agency programs including the food bank, seniors and children's programs and others. EWCS News NEWS & EVENTS Thank you to the many individuals, community organizations, churches, schools and businesses for their generous support of our annual Give the Gift of Community Support. We are excited to share that a total of $24,283 was raised for our agency. Funds raised from this campaign will be used by East Wellington Community Services to invest in our many programs and services, including the food bank, seniors adult day programs, active seniors, information and referral services and others, so we can continue to provide these quality programs that many of our community members need and have come to rely upon. We could not do what we do every day without the generous support of our community and the funds raised through our annual campaign. On behalf of our staff, board members and dedicated volunteer team ­ Thank you for your continued support of our agency and your overwhelming generosity with this campaign. HIGH HE E L S AND HIGH TEA St. Andrews Church in Hillsburgh will be transformed for a high tea on May 5 complete with finger sandwiches, scones and all the trimmings. Plus, enjoy a ladies shopping extravaganza with top line accessories provided from our New to You stores and bid on ladies specialty baskets in the silent auction. Come enjoy a fabulous girls day out while supporting important programs and services provided by EWCS. Tickets will be available soon at EWCS offices in Rockwood and Erin & more details will be coming soon. EWCS HOSTING INCOME TAX CLINIC Low income tax clinics are being offered through EWCS this year. The tax returns are completed by a trained volunteer for individuals and families who qualify with the following income levels: · Up to $30,000 for a single person · Up to $35,000 for one adult with child · Up to $40,000 for a