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| Budget bombshell By Oksana Bi Minutes before. Tew of Halton Hills Councillors were to approve the 1993 Tax Levy by-law Monday evening, municipal treasurer Ray King Piatt that further cuts would be nece: King was notified just that morn- ing that the provincial government would be cutting back uncondition- al grants by between 2% - 11%. “Speaking with finance members of the government, I think this figure will be close to $125,000,” he said. This is a direct result of the NDP cuts which were announced Friday. “We have two options now,” he continued. “We can go back into the munici it and readjust it, or we will have to look elsewhere for the money, which will mean pulling ut the fine-toothed comb. Budget cuts had been aiseussed by councillors at a general commit- meet March 1, and eae the following week. They were to be approved again Monday night because the March 8 budget only dealt with town taxes, and not edu- cation and regional taxes, which the town also collects. After much discussion, council- lors approved the existing budget, although it may have to be re- openned once the provincial gov- ernment officially informs the town what percentage of grants will be cut. Al Cook, chairman of the municipal budget committee, explained the budget was passed because one of the four tax. collec- tion stages is in June. “There’s still a lot of work to be done before June, and we can’t sit around and wait until the government (provin- cial) decides to tell us what percent- age it plans to cut,” Cook explained. “Ray King is in communication with them (provincial finance offi- cials) daily, and he will report to us as soon as he finds something out. And it (the cut in unconditional grants) might not be as bad as we think.” Sixteen students fromm Madame De Stael College/Lycee, St. Tulle en Geneva Frees listened intently as Georgetown District High School Technical Department head Dave Lawrence oo equipment Friday. The French students are part of an exchange program. For story, see page 7. photo by! Simon Wilson/HHTW dard Wiring aes Rep | 232 Guelph St., Georgetown 873-2254 Leader of the Pack Melissa Hill plays the part of the young Ellie Greenich in the Acton High School production of the 50’s musical, Leader of the Pack. The show starts this Thursday (tomorrow) at Acton High School, start- ing at 7:30 p.m. See story on page 3. photo by Simon Wilson/HHTW ‘Your independent voice in Halton Hills’ PCBs Sfoming to Halton Hills - Maple Leaf Foods submitted a ") ) Hill: transfer’ PCBs fromvits Wriashinle Storage site in Dresden to the transfer is that ity is to be donated . Clair Conservation Authority. Janet Lunn-Stewart, municipal clerk, explained the amount was very small, that it would be transported in decommis- sioned capacitors within a.sealed steel drum, and that the procedure is “quite safe.” She also informed council their permission is not essential and the real reason for the Notice was to “respectfully inform” councillors the toxin will be enter- ing the municipality. “The MOE (Ministry of the Environment) has already authorized the transfer,” Lunn-Stewart ae “and that’s all that’s re The motion en passed, but Councillor Ron Chatten expressed some concer. “I’m a little ‘worried when the ministry needlessly asks for our approval for something like this,” he admitted. “I don’t want to _ See this become a habit. Tax measures OK’d David Bracken, an independent businessman, approached council to list his concerns about the tax col- lection methods which were 0 7 deputy treasurer, at the committee meeting April 19. “I’m just here to ask for a little grace,” he insisted. Usher had explained that he would like to be able to enforce a 21 day payment on over- due realty taxes. The issue was reintroduced at Monday’s meeting and several councillors joined Bracken in voicing their concerns. Councillor Gail Rutherford won- dered if the period could be extend- ed to 45-60 days. Councillor Marilyn Serjeantson asked how the treasury department would deal with partial payments. As a result of the numerous questions, Councillor Rick Bonnette suggest- ed that decisions be deferred for two weeks, during which time the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce and any other members of the public will be allowed to comment. Other council members were opposed to the deferral and demanded that the report be accept- ed. Councillor Al Cook and Mayor Russ Miller insisted the councillors were “making a mountain out of a mole hill,” since the 21-day-period was in the Ontario Municipal Act, and could not be amend by the municipal council. Councillor Norm Elliot stated that the treasury Saturday 9-6 LIGHTING: Let as hebp ye. with ALL tALL your Lighting concerns! $9.99 245 Guelph St. (Hwy. 7), Georgetown 873-2996 50 cents includes G.S.T. department should be allowed to Aecorded 7-5 vote, the Hr was carried to accept Usher’s GO not going Councillor Rick Bonnette announced the Acton stop of the GO tain service will be eliminated as a result of the provincial govern- ment budget cuts. Acton residents will have to drive to the Georgetown station. Councillor Norm Elliot expressed irritation at the decision. “The government wants us to cut down on driving, and then it cancels our alternatives to driving,” he complained. “I find this personally distressing.and protest it in the strongest terms.” Kinsmen action this sil pre as | the 1993 Club T.V. ‘Agetios Ga tic to ‘to the air on Halton Cable Systems Channel 4. The Auction gets underway at 6 p.m. and biddi vedihu iis tinue 10:30 For full details on ohat is planned for the evening, please turn to pages 10 and 11. 3°x 10" or "x 10" [_ and feed, white ‘Values in effect until May 1/93 or while quantities last. Bulbs extra. We reserve the ‘Tight to limit quantities. NGI ntil May 1/ "9%