Town grants not-for-profit radio group another loan deadline extension

by Mike Robinson

ERIN

It’s another deadline extension for Erin Radio.

In early 2010, council here loaned the station $10,000 and extended that loan for an additional year later in the year.

That loan was due Dec. 31, 2011.

Council reviewed a letter Jan. 10 from Jay Mowat, past chairman of Erin Community Radio. He thanked council for its continued support of the community radio station.

“Your support over the years has made a lasting impact on the station and its volunteers and that support has enabled us to significantly increase our coverage area.”

However, due to higher than anticipated antenna and installation costs, the power increase project cost the station about $10,000 more than expected.

Mowat said, “There has been serious fundraising in the last year, but we are still falling short of our goal.”

The station provided a $3,000 payment towards its loan to the town and asked for another extension  - to Dec. 31, to pay the remaining $7,000.

“If we can, we will pay the remaining amount sooner.”

Councillor Barb Tocher noted this is the second extension the not-for-profit station has requested on the same loan.

Mayor Lou Maieron added, “They’ve shown goodwill; if they had not, I would have more concern.”

Council approved the deadline extension to Dec. 31.

January 20, 2012