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~~ Vol. 127 No. 16 Budget increase set at .894% By Scott Anderson Port Perry Star Scugog council has displayed "prudent financing" with its 1993 budget, says Yvonne Christie, Finance Committee Chairman. Council approved the budget Monday afternoon which calls for a tax increase of 0.894 per cent over last year. The addi- tional tax levied on an average household is approximately $3.78. /The 1993 budget provides for penditures of $6,541,308 with venues of $3,081,458 requir- i a general tax levy of $3,609,850. In presenting the budget, Councillor Christie praised the committee for presenting the "prudent budget." "It reflects well on the staff who took the procedure very se- riously," she said. "They have provided a high level of service to the community." Councillor Christie said it was particularly satisfying to present the small increase con- sidering the obstacles they had 'to overcome. When 1992 began, the township's ledgers showed a deficit of $150,000, but by the end of the year it not only made up the deficit it achieved an $80,000 surplus. She praised the municipally- funded groups and agencies for taking cost-cutting measures. "I have always admired vol- unteers and my admiration has increased this year," she said. Despite her pleasure for the budget, she pointed to areas which hurt the township, most notably a cut in government University program at Durham College By Julia Dempsey Port Perry Star When Gary Polonsky took over the presidency of Durham College almost five years ago, he spoke of how he envisioned st secondary education in urham Region to unfold in the future. Last night, he announced that the college has taken one giant step towards realizing that dream. Beginning in September, full- time university programing will Not zero, but close funding for roads projects. Councillor Christie says a 3.3-per cent cut in provincial funds for roads hurt the budget process. But she is confident subsidies could be forthcoming. The regard for public safety also necessitated the tax in- crease. The Scugog Fire Depart- ment required two new fire ve- hicles to replace older models. Approximately $260,000 was granted to the department for a pumper truck and emergency vehicle. Another $115,000 will be spent next year for the re- mainder of the pumper equip- ment when it comes into service in 1994. Councillor Christie says a tax decrease would have been possi- ble had these items not been purchased, . : "The safety of the community and fire department had to come first," she stressed howev- er. But Ward 4 Councillor David Dietlein disagreed with the need for such an expenditure. He says the increase could have been prevented by purchasing used equipment from the larger Metropolitan departments. But Fire Committee member Harvey Graham says it would be a great risk to ask the crews to operate with used equip- ment. "The crews come out and do the job I couldn't do myself. I'm trying to provide them with the equipment they need," he said. Despite the small increase, the Finance Committee was forced to dip into reserves and Turn to Page 4 Bachelor of Arts program offered be available at the college's Oshawa campus. The first program to be of- fered will be a Bachelor of Arts degree which will be delivered and credentialed by Trent Uni- versity. Classes will be sched- uled mostly in the evenings and on weekends, with the possibili- ty of some daytime classes. The plan builds on the suc- cess of DATE (Durham Alliance for Training and Education), a unique and progressive part- nership of Trent University, Ryerson Polytechnical Insti- tute, York University and r- ham College. More than 2,400 student are enrolled in part- time university programing at Durham College this year. This is the first step towards a long-term goal of establishing a university in Durham Region, possibly on the Windfield's Farm lands. Although Mr. Polonsky ad- mits a university is far in the fu- ture, he says Durham Region deserves such a facility. The region is a "high skills, high wage area" comprised mainly of middle class families who may find it difficult to send their children to institutions lo- cated in Toronto, Hamilton and other university centres, he says. But Mr. Polonsky is quick to note it won't happen overnight. Between 30-50 students will be . accepted for classes beginning in September. In the fall of 1991, he envisions a first year enrolment of about 100 stu- Plan to be a Blood Donor - Wednesday, March 17 dents, with growth continuing each year. "The key is that we are start- ing," Mr. Polonsky told the 100 politicians, educators, and oth- er dignitaries present at the press conference. ; Richard Johnston, chairman of the Ontario Council of RS- gents, said he was pleased with the scheme being undertaken by Durham College and Trent niversity, saying the plan Turn to Page 4