Policing Numbers Called into Question

Questions are being raised about the number of OPP officers patrolling the streets of Fort Frances.

A new contract is being considered with the O-P-P offering an option of reducing the number of officers to 19.

Councillor Ken Perry says that's still above the national average.

"The average police officer in Canada per capita is 2 per thousand (residents)," says Perry, "and in Ontario it's 2 per thousand. I'm asking we investigate and ask our police force why we have to be at 2.34 if we go to 19. Right now we're at 2.58 officers per thousand."

Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says because the contract is based on calls for service, the number of officers required may be warranted.

Water Rate Hike in Fort Frances

Water and sewer rates are going up next month in Fort Frances.

Councillor Sharon Tibbs says the 2 per cent increase on the residential bills only amounts to a few dollars per year.

"Its $15.71 a year on the base of the residential," says Tibbs. "That equates to a 2 per cent increase."

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the increase to all sectors will bring an additional $155-thousand to help replace aging infrastructure.

FedNor Bill Proceeds in Ottawa

The goal of making FedNor a permanent regional economic development agency for northern Ontario is a step closer.

Liberal MP Anthony Rota's private member's bill has passed second reading in the House of Commons.

"By becoming an agency then it has to report to Parliament," Says Rota. "Any changes that are made to that mandate have to made by all of Parliament and not by just one individual like FedNor is now."

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says establishing FedNor as a permanent regional economic development agency does nothing but add an unnecessary level of bureaucracy to the system.

Dayton Budget Comes Today

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton brings down his proposed budget today.

District 3 Senator Tom Saxhaugh expects it to contain cuts and tax increases.

"You have to come up with a total package," says Saxhaugh. "You don't just come up with a cut bill, then a another cut bill and another cut bill. We know right now the majority in the Legislature isn't enthused about coming up with additional revenue but it's got to be part of the package."

Last week, Dayton used his Veto power to kill a budget approved by the Republican-led House.