Warm weather kind to Town's coffers

Mother Nature was kind to the Public Works Department's budget in 2006. The mild weather over the last couple months, and early in 2006, has resulted in $177,000 savings to the snow-clearing budget. The surplus dollars will now go into tax stabilization, capital financing and repairs and maintenance reserves. Mayor Rick Bonnette hoped a portion of that money would ease tax increases in the 2007 budget. Director of Engin-eering, Public Works and Building Services Rick Henry said crews are working on completing other projects not normally done in winter months such as pothole maintenance, ditching and tree trimming. Ward 2 Councillor Bryan Lewis, the Town's representative on Conservation Halton, pointed out a downside to the mild weather. The authority is "taking a hit" on its revenue budget with the lack of snow on the Kelso Conservation Area ski slopes. "So as much as we think this is positive," he said, "there are some within our community who are suffering greatly. So with mixed emotions we are saying, `Way to go. Spend the money wisely, and then, can it snow tomorrow?'" "I can think of a few businesses in town that are suffering too," added the mayor.