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"A Family Tradition for 133 Years" By John B. McClelland Port Perry Star Scugog council has sent the 1999 fire department budget back for more study and review. In fact, council has appointed two members-- Mayor Doug Moffatt and fire committee chair David Dietlein--to work with' Scugog Fire Chief Richard ~ Miller on the budget that was presented to council Monday afternoon. It calls for spending this year of $790,449, a 26 per cent hike over the 1998 budget of $625,935. Chief Miller pointed out to the fire committee Monday that the vast majority of the proposed increase this year is taken up by transfers from reserves of $250,000 to spent in the following manner: $200,000 for sta- tion rebuilding at Hall 1 in Port Perry; and $50,000 for "repowering" of a pumper at Hall 2 in Caesarea. As for the rest of the increases -- for such items as $5000 for the protection agreement with Uxbridge F.D., $5,000 for a mapping project, $5000 more for new equipment and $2450 more for repairs to equip- ment --the chief said "this with some severe bud- get restric- tions and cuts over the last few years, and in fact came Moffatt in under budget in 1998. But he told the committee there is not a wish list, thisisa needs list." He noted that the fire department has had to live MS support group will meet next Sunday The North Durham MS Support Group will be meeting on Sunday, Feb. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the lounge of the Testa Heights Apartment Building, 2 Testa Road, Uxbridge. Sarah Cowley R.N., R.M.T., of Cornerstone Massage Clinic, 29 Toronto Street South, Uxbridge, will speak about her work with the MS Clinic in Toronto, and the vari- ous techniques she uses on MS patients. All are welcome to join this meeting. For more information call 905-852-9291. Tupperware time The Humane Society of Durham Region is hosting a Tupperware arty on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at 111 Industrial Drive, Whitby. For tickets call Linda McInnes at 905-435- or the Humane FOR THOSE OF YOU IN THE DARK ABOUT THE UPCOMING CHANGES IN THE ELECTRICITY INDUSTRY, TURN THE PAGE. They're concerned by request for 29 % hike Council sends '99 fire budget back for review may be a few items that can be purchased the fol- lowing year rather than in 1999. Mayor Moffatt termed the budget as presented Monday as a "good starting point," but added that the spending hikes must be examined in more detail before they can be approved. The mayor also suggest- ed that the department prepare a five-year plan outlining where capital spending must take place. He said it is his impres- sion that just when council feels the capital require- ments of the department have been met for a year PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, February 16, 1999 - 9 or two, something else comes along. Chief Miller said he will have a five-year spending plan ready by the end of this month. He said the department is now "getting the num- bers" on what it would cost to retrofit a 1986 vehicle used by Station 2. This would involved buying a new cab and chassis and completely rebuilding the engine for $130,000 to $150,000, or about $50,000 less than a new truck would cost. Councillor Dietlein said the proposed budget pre- sented Monday afternoon "needs more study."