Town facing deficit: Expect tax increases

By Ken Johnston
Editor

With only six regular monthly meetings left before fall elections, Rainy River Town Councillor and Finance Committee Chair Brent Anderson warned of property tax increases this year.
"We can't avoid them this year," said Anderson in session. "We will try and have the least effect on businesses."
After the meeting Anderson said the reason for the expected increases is increased board fees, increase in wages and the fact that the town has to deal with "a slight deficit." Anderson said that deficit is expected to be approximately $40,000 for 2009. "We have not finalized the figures yet but expect it to be about $40,000."
As for the wages and other increases in things like gas the town can not control those. "The wages are part of a union contract."
Balancing vs. the future
Councillor Gord Armstrong said, "It is difficult to look towards the future when balancing the budget." He was commenting on the fact that even though council extended Economic Development Officer Andrew Hartnell's contract for another two months, council feels they will have to let him go at that time.
Councillor Anderson concurred that it is a difficult choice. He praised him for the hard work he has been doing but at the same time said, "It is difficult to find the money in a community this size."
Hartnell has been working on a grant from FedNor that pays the wages of an intern for a year. His year ended in March.
Town Clerk Veldron Vogan noted that council did file a comment that the town does not feel one year terms are long enough as Hartnell has many things that are ramping up now.
All of council echoed the sentiments that Hartnell has done a fantastic job.
Who will run?
When quizzed after the meeting who intends to run for Rainy River Town Council this fall they each had this to say:
Mayor Deb Ewald: "I am strongly considering running for Mayor."
Councillor Gord Armstrong: "I am strongly considering running for council."
Councillor Gerry Marchuk: "I am considering bowing out."
Councillor Marilyn McAlister: "I don't think I will run again."
Councillor Brent Anderson: "No decision (at this point)"
While nominations opened early in the year no one has filed papers for any office in Rainy River nor has anyone picked papers up to do so. The deadline to file nominations is Sept. 10th. Elections are Oct. 25th.
Other business
•In business arising from last month's meeting when a question was asked why a safety check was done on a town truck at a business outside of Rainy River the answer given by Clerk Vogan Monday was, "Time lag in town was the reason. It took 6-9 months to get it done before."
Mayor Ewald asked if all town safeties could be tendered out collectively and then issues like the time lag could be addressed in the tender.
Vogan thought it might be possible.
•Council also passed a motion to renew Administrative Assistant Corey Dyck's contract for four years with Councillor Anderson speaking highly of her job performance and his delight that she chose to re-sign.
•Town accepted the transfer request from the Estate of Helen Madell for her property on Main St. The town paid $1.00 for it.
•Demolition of the former Rainy River Hotel will begin as soon as half loading restrictions are lifted. Councillor Gerry Marchuk (Public Works Chair) said that he met with the town foreman last week and they estimate it will take about a week to knock it down and haul it away once it commences.