Residents still waiting for tax adjustments

Tax adjustments for the year 2000 have been delayed one last time as final calculations are being made.
“All of those calculations are coming to a head right now,” said Administration and Finance manager Darryl Allan, who presented town council with the update during its regular meeting Monday night.
The adjustments to the year 2000 uncontrollable tax levy originally were to be sent out in August, with a due date of Aug. 31, but they won’t be ready in time as the private firm, Municipal Tax Equity, works to complete calculations.
“We felt we needed some additional expertise,” noted Allan.
The adjustments will have little effect on residential buildings but are likely to affect some commercial and industrial ones. But all the bills are being held until they can be sent out at the same time.
“Those in cap classes will get notice of the adjustments that will be 21 days in advance of the due date,” Allan said.
“The adjustments come as a result of provincial tax reassessments resulting in property tax increases for many property owners,” he added. “The increases are being implemented in annual increments to make it easier on the taxpayer.”
Only four councillors attended last night’s meeting. Mayor Glenn Witherspoon and Coun. Deane Cunningham are in Ottawa for the annual conference of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario while Coun. Roy Avis was absent.
In other news, council received a request from the Waterfront Development Committee requesting that the year 2003 be declared the year for completion of the project in conjunction with the town’s centennial.
Council agreed to approve the project with the condition that expected alternative sources of funding come through although Coun. Bill Martin voted against going ahead with the project because of the cost to the town.
The project to complete the waterfront’s development from the west side of the Sorting Gap Marina to the mill will cost an estimated $3.4 million, half of which is expected to be paid by the provincial government’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp.
Meanwhile, council last night also received a request from North Air Services here to increase cab and limousine rates because of increased fuel costs, and one from the Northern Action Group that a long-term plan to make town sidewalks more wheelchair accessible be considered.