Municipal officials in Inverness Co. are trying to cover a $229,736 deficit in their 2021-22 operating budget.
Staff members informed councillors of the projected budget shortfall at a special council meeting Thursday afternoon, which was followed immediately by May’s regular council meeting.
After, Laurie Cranton, the warden of the municipality, told The Hawk there are a few ways to deal with the deficit.
Cranton said they include a tax hike, but they want to avoid that option.
“We’re not interested in raising taxes, especially at a time when COVID-19 is affecting everybody,” he said. “People are stressed enough without an increase in taxes.”
Cranton said- and the other councillors agreed during the meeting- the best option is to take the difference from their operating reserve fund.
He said they hope to use the surplus from their 2020-21 budget to cover the cost.
“We’ve balanced things out over the last few years, so our reserves will get a little boost, and we can cover this year’s projected deficit,” he said. “I think we’re doing quite well, given all the circumstances.”
Cranton said they have recommended an increase to their sewer service charge to support improved maintenance and upgrades for the systems.
He said it’s only fair the people who use the system pay for the enhanced service.
