The Town of Shelburne held a special Council meeting on Monday to explain their financial situation.
CAO Darren Shupe explained during the meeting that there were two options to cover their nearly $150,000 deficit in the operating budget, tax increases or service cuts.
“Our tax rates have reached the point where further increases will not be productive as more households will be unable to pay their taxes and we’ll see more properties on tax sale, so, there are diminishing returns to increasing taxes at this point.”
Last week, a release explained that consolidation talks had broken down when the Municipality of the District of Shelburne opted out when the Province wouldn’t commit to help fund the renewal of infrastructure in the town.
Shupe explained during Monday’s meeting that the request was a bit too vague.
“The point of view from the Province on this is that they won’t address general asks for support but they will consider specific requests. That avenue is still open, although tenuous at this time.”
At the end of the meeting, Mayor Karen Matatall informed those in attendance or watching online that there would be a public participation meeting next week.
“It’s a really important discussion, it’s important for people to come and ask questions and understand the challenges that we are facing. They’re not simple…nobody is happy that we’re even having to have the discussion.”
The public participation meeting is Monday at 7PM.
Reported By: Sean MacLellan
