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Money talks

A decrease in property tax has increased slightly after a city meeting Tuesday night. A proposed tax increase of 1.88 per cent had been reduced to 1.
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Greg Alexander, left, and Tom Forsythe listen to questions Tuesday night.

A decrease in property tax has increased slightly after a city meeting Tuesday night.

A proposed tax increase of 1.88 per cent had been reduced to 1.74 per cent after the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board approved a reduced levy but new additions to the city’s proposed 2010 operating budget have increased that reduction to 1.79 per cent.

Council first approved an additional $20,000 for HAGI Transit. Coun, Iain Angus said the door-to-door transit service has had more demand than supply since HAGI began. He said with demand from Thunder Bay’s disabled community growing 10 per cent a year, Thunder Bay transit can’t provide the same level of service that will be needed by some of the city’s aging population.

HAGI CAO Allan Buchan said the $20,000 addition to his company’s $1.4 million operating budget will mean more riders and rides as HAGI will be able to extend their hours. Buchan said HAGI makes 96,000 trips a year.

The money means an operational review for HAGI after Coun. Rob Tuchenhagen asked for an amendment to make sure tax dollars are being spent as effectively as possible at HAGI.

Transportation and Works manager Darrell Matson said the audit could be included in the city’s transit study, already accounted for in the 2010 capital budget. Matson didn’t know what the review would cost.

While most councillors agreed with the review, Coun. Joe Virdiramo said it wouldn’t be worth the trouble if an audit cost the city more than the additional money given to HAGI already. 

“If we’re going to spend $20,000 to tell us we’re doing the right thing to me that’s a waste of money,” said Virdiramo.

The city also gave $65,000 to the Children’s Aid Society to continue a youth outreach program.

Turfing two of the city’s golf courses won’t happen anytime soon after a resolution was lost Tuesday. Coun. Rebecca Johnson said the city should get out of the golf business as soon as possible because it’s costing the taxpayer too much money. 

“I’d like to be able to shut them down so they don’t even run this year,” said Johnson
“We need to get out of this business.”

But some councilors, such as Iain Angus, disagreed. Angus said the city’s courses outperform every other city-owned park except the Marina. He said golf courses benefit everyone by keeping people fit.  

“If we didn’t have these golf courses there would be a lot more men and probably women in the hospital,” said Angus.


After the debate, golf director Tom Forsythe and community services manager Greg Alexander were questioned about proposed fee increases for city courses. Green fees will go up 3 per cent, memberships 4 per cent and cart rentals 1.5 per cent at the city’s three courses.

Coun. Aldo Ruberto suggested freezing course rates to attract more people to Strathcona, Municipal and Chapples. Ruberto tried to get an amendment recommending a freeze but couldn’t find a seconder.

“Let’s try it. One year without an increase and (offer) a super attractive membership,” said Ruberto. “Let’s freeze it for one year and see what happens.”

Alexander said the increases are competitive with private sector courses. He said because the city hasn’t been seeing an increase in golfers, a freeze would hurt private courses.

“For us we’re walking a delicate line here trying not to undercut the private sector,” said Alexander. “We are taking golfers away from other golf courses.”





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