The reeve of Howick Township says 2015 was a difficult year for the rural municipality.
Art Versteeg explains their biggest challenge turned into one of their highlights in that they passed their budget after a great deal of soul-searching and discussion.
Versteeg says Howick was hit hard with the cuts to OMPF funding, an increase in OPP costs and they had to approve a hike in property taxes that no one was very happy with.
But he says most people understood the situation and he believes it actually helped bring the community together.
Versteeg adds one positive of the year was that a committee of volunteers was formed to help out and do some fund raising for the local facilities, because it was felt that area needed some help. Versteeg says that also helped to bring the community together.
