Central Huron Gets Started on New Budget

by Bob Montgomery

Mayor Jim Ginn says Central Huron councillors were able to approve a few things at their first budget meeting.

Ginn says on the capital side, they've approved the purchase of a new mower, a new pick up truck and maintenance on the number three well in Clinton. Ginn says on the operations side they've been able to approve an increase in the Facade Grant and the Donation Fund as well as approving the cost for dust control, grass cutting, gravel crushing and hauling, community plan, Harvest Fest and their master plan as well as their budget for fireworks. Ginn says in a lot cases it's simply a matter approving what you need early so the people you need will be available when you need them.

Ginn says the Facade Grant has been around since about 2001 and it provides downtown business owners with grants to help them clean up or make improvements to their store fronts. It has been capped at $40,000 for some time, with a maximum grant of $5,000 for each application. Ginn says council felt that inflation has driven costs up considerably so they increased the total in the Facade Grant to $50,000. They also increased the Donation Fund from $40,000 to $50,000. Ginn explains the funding for the Facade Grants and the Donation Fund comes from the casino dollars.