Council passes interim tax bill

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Rainy River Town Council dealt with interim funding issues, as per usual this time of year, at the regular monthly meeting of council Monday evening.
A bylaw was read by Finance Chairman Larry Armstrong to send out interim tax bills so that the town has operating funds until the final tax bills can be issued later this year.
Council has passed similar bylaws at this time over the past several years.
The bill will be for 50% of last year's total tax bill and will be due March 31, 2012.

Other Business
•As per request by auditors, council passed a housekeeping motion to utilize the water and sewer capital reserve fund to finance water and sewer projects in the amount of $794,958.08.
Clerk Veldron Vogan explained that the motion was just housekeeping and was monies received for sewer projects last year, such as the new lagoon.
•Water and Sewer Chairman Larry Armstrong noted that the town has met with consultants on the recently reported THM problems the community's water system had.
"We do not have any THM problem at present. But there are periods when we do. We are awaiting the final report from the consultant and will then implement solutions."
•A 30% tax rebate on municipal and education taxes for the property at 313 Atwood Ave was approved by council. When a taxpayer can prove their property has been vacant for a year, such an application for rebate can be made to council.
•Council agreed to transfer 2011 Gas Tax Funding from the government in the amount of $55,767.16 to the community's reserves.
•Council accepted the applications of Neil Ivall, Matt Ivall, Steve Molodowich, Mike Mosher and Curt Pearson to be members of the Rainy River Volunteer Fire Dept. pending passed physicals.
•Council agreed to send Councillor Gord Armstrong and Clerk Vogan to the Northern Ontario Municipal Association Annual General meeting in Kenora on Apr. 25-27, 2012, with expenses paid.
•Tenders will be let for an upgrade to fire alarm systems at the Rainy River Recreation Centre.
•Council endorsed KidSport's application for Local Initiatives Funds from Rainy River Future Development Corporation to purchase an event canopy. They hope such a canopy will make them more visible and provide shelter for volunteers.
•Council proclaimed the week of Feb. 19-26 as Guide and Scout week.
•A motion to apply to the Ontario Defibrillator Access Initiative program run by the Heart and Stroke Foundation was passed. If approved it will see Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) placed in publicly funded sport and recreation facilities and schools.