The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Orono Weekly Times - 3 BUDGET Continued from front page indicated that snow removal costs are already over budget for this year, due to recent heavy snow falls. He also reminded Council that, as in past years, they have relied on the Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund for a $1 million draw to offset the tax increase. This is a savings of approximately three percent on the tax rate each year, according to Foster. With only $2.8 million left in that fund, he reminded Council that there is approximately two-and-a-half years worth of funding left in that reserve fund if they continue to draw $1 million a year without replenishing it. Councillors Adrian Foster, Ron Hooper, Gord Robinson, Willie Woo and Mayor Jim Abernethy sup- Bethesda House 905-623-6050 or 1-800-338-3397 Are you in an abusive relationship? Call ported the 2.35 percent tax increase. The 2.35 percent tax increase will add an additional $22.79 to the property tax bill of an average priced Clarington home which is valued at $240,000. Prior to the final vote, Councillor Gord Robinson said he was very happy to stand in front of his constituents and pass a 2.2 percent increase. He also said he hoped the two Regional Councillors, Trim and Novak, take their message of a zero percent increase along to the Regional Council for their budget deliberations. This sentiment was echoed by Councillor Woo, who said he hoped the Regional Councillors "take the same passion to Regional Council that they voiced in these chambers." Comparing the regional budget to the municipal budget is like comparing apples and oranges, according to Trim. The cost of maintaining a regional road is far greater than maintaining municipal roads and streets, Trim said. As the Region is responsible for providing social services, public health, emergency and police services, its budget cannot be compared to the municipal budget. Mayor Abernethy thanked staff for the wonderful job they did coming up with the budget, and for keeping the increase to 2.35 percent, which he called "marginal." He then warned staff, "This council will hold your feet to the fire, we are going to expect you to meet the targets set in this budget." phtoto supplied Concentrating on his brush stroke, 89-year-old Bart Wright enjoys his class at A Gift of Art in Newcastle. Collage, mixed media, composition and colour are a part of this course. ~ Happening s ~ Saturday, January 31, 2009 Durham Central Agricultural Society AGM - Orono Arena, 1 p.m. Anyone interested in sitting as a director, please contact Mary-Ann Found 905-463-2528. Saturday, January 31, 2009 Bottle Collection - Kendal Lions Club, 10am - 2pm. Orono Foodland parking lot, Newtonville 4 corners, Kendal Community Centre. For pickup call 905-786-1148 Friday, February 6, 2009 Open Dance - with DJ Don Del Greco. Everyone welcome, 8 to 11pm, Clarington Older Adult Assoc., 26 Beech Ave., Bowmanville. Members $8, Non-members $10. Big Band Music and oldies. Call Jo-Anne 905-697-2856 or coaa@bellnet.ca Saturday, February 7, 2009 Women's Breakfast - at the Orono United Church, 8:30 am. Cost $8.00. Guest speaker: Sandy Archibald, owner of Archibald Cider House & Golf Course; Topic: Entrepreneur. Monday, February 9, 2009 Newcastle Historical Society AGM - Newcastle Community Hall, 7:30pm. Election of the executive, minor constitutional changes and show & tell. Call Bev 905-987-5180 for info. Saturday, February 14, 2009 Valentine Lunch - St. George's Anglican Church, Edward & Mill St., Newcastle, 11:30am to 1:30pm, Bake Sale, New to You sweater exchange. Lunch $6.