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"Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, February 27, 2001 - 9 Councillors question cost of newspaper ads By Chris Hall Port Perry Star Advertising in local newspapers became an issue during a meeting of the township's finance committee last week. . The topic was brought up during a dis- cussion on Scugog's financial situation by township treasurer Kathryn McCann. During talks on the budget, she was asked if some of the township's expenses were increased by the turnover and recruitment of new staff for Scugog. There have been numerous advertise- ments in newspapers - The Port Perry Star and its rival, Port Perry This Week - over" the past few months, while the township continues to seek a new director of public works. The municipality is also obliged to place ads regarding public meetings and other matters in the papers. "We've been spending a significant amount of money on newspaper ads and . ads in general," said Ward 2 Councillor Marilyn Pearce. She noted that there were several town- ship ads in the week- 8 end editions of both / papers last week. "What is our policy on advertising and when was the last time we reviewed that policy? The advertising cost seems to have increased," she said. Yvonne de Wit, the township's Chief Administrative Officer, told the committee that there have been a number of job vacancies posted in the papers in the past, and that she expects that to contin- ue in the near future. "We call the papers and place the ads in the most economical way possible," Pearce said Mrs. de Wit. "We have to advertise snow removal and garbage pickup rou- tinely, but it's a pricey routine." Brenda Robinson, an employee in the clerk's office, told committee members that the township specifies ad sizes and looks into costs before okaying the ads. The practice of advertising in both newspapers has been in place for a num- ber of years, she said. Councillor Pearce suggested that the township should look into advertising with the papers on a rotating basis, chang- ing publications each week or even monthly. In total, it was estimated that the town- ship pays about $28,000 annually for its advertising and promotional costs. That includes $12,000 for general ads and $16,000 for the economic development committee. Scugog Mayor Doug Moffatt reminded the committee that the advertising policy was reviewed about five years ago. "There is significant (duplication) in cost and coverage," he said. "But council has been directed to place ads in both papers in the past." That policy irritates Councillor Pearce. She said, for instance, that the annual full- page ad carrying the township's financial statement does not have to be run in both papers. The cost of running that ad is at least $700 in each paper. "It's that kind of duplication that's cost- ing us dollars," she said. "We just went through an election and you know the costs of advertising," the mayor added. "Region ads and school board ads... it's a growth industry as far as newspapers are concemed." As for a decision on cutting advertising costs, the mayor said: "In edi- torials in both papers they've been com- plimentary of saving (township) money." BDO Dunwoody LLp Chartered Accountants and Consultants Randy J. Hickey c.A. Partner Ah ESTRETR ITO FRSC BROTH 1 AT BAN AYR TE IIS WRPAV AE Al VA N k Wi 24 UXBRIDGE TRAVEL CENTRE I5 Brock St.W,, Uxbridge 852-6163 Division of Triad Travel Service Lid. - Reg. No. 1135083 + Books for every | age and interest | * Gift Books | + Special Orders UXBRIDGE ANYONE CAN SHOP CO-OP It was a great party last year, we sipped; we nibbled we laughed. We also raised $8,000 for the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital Foundation. Watch the Academy Awards Celebration on the "Big Screen" live from La La Land, participate in the Oscar Contest, Pop a Balloon, bid on the Silent Auction and generally have an all out blast in your "best duds". There will be limited number of tickets printed so don't be disap- pointed - get yours soon. At the Roxy Box Office, The Foundation Office by the Hospital, Presents, Presents Presents or by telephone. Call 852-4644 to reserve. Included in the $30. ticket price: Oscar contest, complimentary wine and beverages and gourmet hors d'oeuvres. Community Martial Arts Shotokan Karate, Kick Boxing, Self Defense P.O. Box 83 Leaskdale (905) 852-5986 Striving to make the world better by making people better. Are Your Clothes Becoming Or should They Be Coming 16 Brock St. W., Uxbridge (905) 852-6986 Io You? [o Us! Here's DOUBLE H | i CLEANERS, INC just a sample » ° c arc * Draperies * Wedding Dresses of last year's * Carpet Upholstery * Loose Carpet Gala * Insurance Claims: shoddy Smoke/Fire/Flood Damage cap tured ola Billi1