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"A Family Tradition for 126 Years" By Scott Anderson ~~ +: Port Perry Star A victim of the poor economic times, Scugog's museum has been forced to reduce its staff. Due to restraints, the Scugog Shores Museum Village board decided not to extend the con- tract of its interim curator who had been hired for a six-month term. This leaves one paid em- ployee. "It's very disappointing. It just seems to be a common deci- sion of many non-profit organi- zations and businesses that they have to consider cut backs," Kim Harper, museum director says. . The museum had two full- time employees, both on six- month contracts, but decided it was not financially realistic to have both. The reduction, effec- tive January, 1993, shaves $20,000 in wages and benefits off the budget. Mrs. Harper says the decision FARM, BUSINESS | & RETAIL COMPLETE COMPUTER 'SETUP & SUPPORT - IBM COMPATIBLES Repairs « Modems - Fax's & Upgrades - Computerized Records + All Major Software Packdges Supported WM. SANDIFORD (416) 985-9440 A ------------ EE -- was made by the museum board after reviewing the budget and the museum's needs for 1993. "They just wanted to act re- sponsibly to minimize the bud- getincreasein 1993," she said. As a result of the cut back, Mrs. Harper says changes will have to g made which will mean program schedules will be reconsidered. "It will mean we'll have to be selective in developing our pro- grams and selective in certain services," she says. Almost certainly, plans for outreach visits to local schools will be reduced next year. Ironically, the board's deci- sion isn't a reflection on the suc- cess of the museum or how much money it spent this year. It is only a reflection on the eco- nomic times. In fact, the museum did quite well. "It was a really, really busy year," she said pointing to the number of successful events the museum held throughout the year as well as a sharprisein ar- chival donations. The decision couldn't have come at a poorer moment. Mrs. Harper says she was just begin- ning to feel good about the facili- ty and the success it was enjoy- ing. She says the public was be- ginning to realize its impor- tance, and the work of the com- munity and volunteers over the past 20 years was just starting to show as well. AIRPORT SERVICE ~ AIRPORTSERVICE | $16.25... "= IX (OM 1\Y (0185) 1\) for details call 985-0170 slg{e'=R ok Tele Rola I Wol-Tolo] [Ho LTR (H to Friday, Dec. 4 10am to Spm Children can visit and give their Christmas list to Mrs. Claus! 158 Queen St., Port Perry 985-0025 Mrs. Claus Monday, Nov. 30 fig Make this a special Christmas | "We were becoming known as one of the main tourist attrac- tions in the municipality," she said. The cut back was particularly disappointing to Mrs. Harper this year as the staff worked hard to ensure two historically significant events, Canada's 126th birthday and Peter Perry's 200th birthday, were celebrated. : "We're are celebrating our heritage," she said. "We did a great job and worked well with the community. We'll always have the resources here and will always have that as long as we realize the importance of the museum as a heritage centre." As it has in the past, the mu- seum village will continue oper- ating with its volunteer base to provide the services to the pub- ic. Currently the museum has 100 volunteers, but Mrs. Harp- er would like to add another 35 to the number. She will not only seek new volunteers, but will also attempt to get old members to return as well. "It's a matter of the communi- ty pulling together," she says. For now, Mrs. Harper says the museum village will weath- er the loss, but hopes itis only a temporary setback. "We have to consider it alittle step backward. The museum has operated successfully with just one permanent staff for years and we'll have to wait a few more years," she says. The ['ront Room ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES Both Large & Small at LANDFALL FARM 3120 HWY. 7A, BLACKSTOCK 5 mi. east of Port Perry on Hwy. 7A 1 mile west of Blackstock (416) 986-5588 OPEN EVERY DAY Except Wed. & Thurs. by chance CHRISTMAS SALE 10% Discount through December 23, 1602 NO GST PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, December 1, 1992 - 3 Economic times forces reduction Scugog's outstanding In Scugog Shores Museum staff taxes near $2 million By Scott Anderson Port Perry Star More than 11 per cent of the township's taxes are still out- standing, saysits treasurer. As of November 25, a total of 11.2 per cent ($1,984,119) of the total $17,749,187 in municipal levies was owed to the Town- ship of Scugog, said treasurer Kathleen Harper. This is up from the same peri- od last year when 10.8 per cent ($1,783,170) was owed on the 1991 levy of $16,660,278. In 1990, a total of 10.4 per cent was left unpaid. Mrs. Harper attributes this rise in outstanding taxes to "the general state of the economy." "Obviously people in 1991 and 1992 are finding it difficult to pay property taxes." en compared to other com- munities, Scugog has the third highest percentage of outstand- ing taxes: According to 1990 fig- ures, 10.4 per cent of Scugog's taxes Avere outstanding. Only Brock (11.0) and Uxbridge (11.5) Townships had higher percentages. This is not unexpected, how- ever. Mrs. Harper says in the larger municipalities, with a majority of new homes, the lev- ies are built into the mortgage payments. In the smaller and older communities these taxes are paid by the owner. "But when it comes down to it, all populations are affected by the economy," she says. Two tax bills are sent out each year, with four installments due in February, April, June and September. Various reminders are sent throughout the year to delinquent residents as well. If after more than a year the reminders are ignored, remin- ders by telephone begin. The phone calls are used to ar- range a payment schedule and inform them of their options, which include using post-dated cheques and Jariial payments. "We're well aware the situa- tion is very difficult out there for people," she says. "We don't want to make it any more diffi- cult for people." Therefore, the township will do everything it can to accom- modate the taxpayer. Due to the size of the munici- pality, township officials shy away from taking the hardline approach to tax collecting and instead try to work with them. "Being a municipality the size we are, we don't take the hard. line," she says. "These people are our neighbors. We work for them. If people make an effort to make amends and pay a little piece at a time, it's better." But sometimes, drastic action must be taken. If a taxpayer falls too far behind in the pay- ments and no arrangements have been made, the township can file for tax registration on the property and sell the land. In 20 years with the town- ship, Mrs. Harper says she has only resorted to this method once. This year she says four properties, all vacant land, are being considered. Due to the amount of taxes owed, the township has been forced to borrow money to pay its bills. So far this year, it has cost the municipality more than $16,000 to borrow money. Mrs. Harper says additional money will have to be acquired before year's end. STONEMOOR DAY CARE CENTRES INC. 399 Queen Street, Port Perry Offers a "Child Enrichment Programme" for children 18 months to 5 years. Full time and part time available. Hours 6:30 am to 6:00 pm For further information call 985-0800 Dr. Kevin Dunkerley Dr. Lionel McTague (We collect from Insurance companies) * Payment Plans Arranged Thank You Ontario for a Fantastic Year which has helped us to grow to 10 times our 1980 original facilities. In appreciation of your patronage, we extend our gratitude with this special offer. FREE FRAMING FOR TRISHA ROMANCE'S NEW LIMITED EDITION PRINT ON THE ARST 50 ORDERS RECEIVED. Frames include selected quality wood frames, 2 acid free mats, regular glass, guaranteed conservation framing, Total Price: $260. (plus taxes) + NEW FACILITIES 5 y+ GRAND OPENING SPRING 1993 " - CALL FOR INVITATION SELECT ART GALLERIES NEWMARKET (416) 895-3002 OPEN SUNDAYS 16686 YONGE ST. CT) Pet com of Yonge 8 Mok 13 BROCK ST. W. (41€) 852-5010 DENTISTRY FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN ® Insurance Assignment Accepted ® Senior Citizens Discount * Evening Appointments Available NEW PATIENTS WELCOME FRED 462 PAXTON ST. (ACROSS FROM PORT PERRY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL C 935-8459 ANCE = IEF + STAR OF WONDER picture size 13" x 16"