Municipality of Central Elgin, Ontario, May 12, 2009 – Dismayed by a lack of transparency from municipal government, ineffectiveness in controlling costs at the municipal and county levels, and the risks of assuming the Port Stanley Harbour, a group of local citizens has formed the Central Elgin Ratepayers Association.

“The Municipality of Central Elgin has one of the highest property tax rates and water charges in Ontario” said Bruce Lemon, President. “To continually base new annual budgets on budgets from prior years rather than actual expenditures is a formula for excessive taxation.”

“We’re particularly concerned about plans to acquire the Port Stanley Harbour” Helen Garton, Vice President of the Association advised. “The acquisition will result in excessive taxes to the community if a proper long-term business plan isn’t finalized before acquisition.”

Central Elgin Ratepayers Association is a not for profit corporation operated by ratepayers in the Municipality of Central Elgin. Representation on the Board of Directors is structured to ensure that the unique interests of the communities of Belmont, Yarmouth and Port Stanley are considered when decisions are made that effect the Municipality. Central Elgin Ratepayers Association is totally volunteer driven with no paid staff. It relies on membership fees, donations and grants to operate.

Central Elgin Ratepayers Association

Foundation Overview:

Established in 2009, a not-for-profit corporation

Volunteer Driven. No Paid Staff.

Memberships accepted from all property ratepayers in the Municipality of Central Elgin.

Representation on the Board of Directors from Belmont, Yarmouth and Port Stanley.

Objectives:

Central Elgin Ratepayers Association fosters and advances the interests of the ratepayers of the Municipality of Central Elgin specifically focusing on:
*Evaluating matters relevant to property taxes and municipal services in the Municipality of Central Elgin and the County of Elgin;
*The retention of the desirable features of Central Elgin; and
*Fostering financially sound projects which are to the benefit of the Municipality as a whole .

Founding Board of Directors:
Bruce Lemon – President
Helen Garton – Vice President
Terry E. Campbell – Secretary- Treasurer
Victor Kinsella – Director
Blair Clarke – Director
Victor Clive – Director