Town taxes will not rise this year

Ken Johnston

With a bare bones quorum Monday Rainy River town council passed the 2005 tax ratios.
Finance Committee Chairman Brent Anderson said, “I am pleased to announce that there will be no tax increases this year.” Anderson said the town’s finances are in a good position and that his committee did not feel there was a need to raise taxes this year.
Councillor Ed Tymkin added that council will not be raising water or sewer rates this year either.
All councillors present, Anderson, Tymkin and Deb Ewald voted in favour of the bylaw.
Staff Training Concerns
Council passed a motion to enroll the acting administrator, Jean Klosowicz, in the AMCTO training program this fall.
Councillor Deb Ewald questioned why council would pay for the training of a temporary employee.
Councillors Anderson and Tymkin said they felt it was necessary as the town is unsure of the status of its current administrator.
Ewald said, “This is not until the fall and in November a fully qualified person, (Veldron Vogan) will be returning (from parental leave) to work. That is a whole new ball game.”
She asked for a recorded vote on the issue and all but her voted in favour of it, including Mayor Glen Armstrong.
Ewald noted that in the past training costs for such programs were not paid until completed.
Anderson said water plant training is paid for upfront.
Other business
•Council withdrew a motion from the agenda to appoint runner up in the last election to fill the vacancy on council left when Larry Armstrong resigned. Council will deal with the matter at a later date.
•Council passed a motion to purchase road construction signs at a cost of $1,209.19.
•Council will write a letter to Canada Customs requesting another lane be opened at the border at peak traffic times. Lengthy waits have held up traffic the past two Saturdays as traffic was only inspected in one lane.
•The complaint regarding noisy equipment at the hospital is being worked on. Engineers are working on reducing the noise pollution.