Brechin Sewer's Public Meeting

Finally the township placed it's cards on the table for all to see. A few months too late, but I guess late is better then never. Not much new was presented at this meeting that had not already be proposed. The township still doesn't know the how much it will actually cost. Brechin residents were told to expect at $20 000 bill for their share build and hook-up, plus an annual cost of $650 for the sewer service.

How the hell can you estimate what users will pay, if you don't know yourself? Hello! Remember the McNabb Drain and how wrong the township's proposed costs were. Don't believe what this township tells you!

The township did not present information on how the development will impact property taxes for existing residential properties. Increasing property values benefit Land Speculator/Flippers. My impression of Brechin's current residential homeowners aren't looking to relocate, and they will be burdened with added property taxes, which they may not be able to fund.

As everyone who knows me already knows that I would only support this project only if it is 100% users and developer funded. Despite my repeated questions to council, I was not given any guarantees that the township would not dip into general taxpayers' revenue, if development charges were below expections. I made request for a bylaw to prevent the township from dipping into taxpayers funds, it was rejected. They Mayor stated there was no need for one, guaranteeing development and existing users will fund the expansion.

One Flipper/Land Speculator told me to "shut up" about using taxpayers' funds, citing it's payback time for ratepayers funding the Ramara Centre and Library. For many South Ramarans the Ramara Centre must be a touchy issue. Apparently there is a north-south mindset in Ramara going back to pre-amalgamation of Rama and Mara Tsp.

I don't see the proposed Brechin Sewer Project being something that will improve upon this disharmony within Ramara. Some northerners, in the former Rama Tsp. were recently hosed big time when Ramara council chose not to harmonize water rates. On the up side, this act by Ramara council established the precedent of for the prohibition of taxpayer $$$ for individual user municipal services.

At the meeting the township did provide any polling data from the citizens of Brechin, whether they support it or not. What about commercial operators? Industrial tenants? Their costs will be even greater then the residential levy.

One land speculator was present and guaranteeing he will build after the sewer expansion. A representative from the Ramara Chamber of Commerce made comments as to good times and growth, once the sewers are installed, but was not willing to make public who is willing to invest, just promises and "trust me" they will come.

Should Ramara undertake such an extensive project solely based on promises of growth? Should there be something more substantive present? "SHOW ME THE MONEY!" When I bought my house, I put down a deposit. This action demonstrates my committment. Why doesn't the township demand developers do the same? It comfirms for me they are truly interested. Allows me to have greater confidence for the project. Why should Ramara Township take all the risk when 50% of this expansion will be for the benefit of currently vacant/undeveloped properties?

It is my belief that when the tenders are finally presented, this projects costs will have ballooned, and the proposed rates will have skyrocketed to the point where they will not be feasble for the citizens of Brechin. Who will the township turn to? I see only 2 options, either the ratepayers, or the developers will be called on to subsidize it?

Asking the ratepayers will be political suicide for the elected members of council. If, as I have been told Brechin is such a great real estate investment, then I look to the developers to grab the ball. Owners of vacant, undeveloped lands can take their proposals to the bank, or private equity funds. Given it's a "can't miss" investment, you'll have no problem securing the cash. With funding in place, I know this municiaplity will rubber stamp your plans.

At the present time, I see council as: (4 Votes are required)

For: Mayor Duffy; Clr. O'Donnell; Clr. Appleby (who represents Brechin)
Against: Clr. White; Clr. Neher

On the Bubble: Dep. Mayor Clarke, Clr. Kahler The 2 Bubblers voted to approve going to tender.

I felt Clr. Kahler had some reservations, when he approved going to tender, given the possibility of using taxpayer's $$$ to subsidize the project. Since he voted against a unified water rate, it would be hypocritical for him, given this precedent, to approve any measure that would allow taxes to subsidize the project.
Has he been pursuaded by the unsubstantiated promises that investors do exist?

Deputy Mayor Clarke proposed the unifed water rate, as a means to bring greater harmony within the township, and would have no reservation in having taxpayer $$$ subsidizing this project. His support will be tempered by his desire to someday being the Mayor of Ramara, and his support for using tax $$$ will be moderated by this fact. I see his approval would cap the the amount of taxpayer support, or possibly creating a fund, by which any taxpayer contribution is looked on as short term financing, to be returned to ratepayers, as development charges come in.