The warden of Inverness Co. says they’re planning for about $500,000 to come their way as they start budget discussions.
Betty Ann MacQuarrie says the money is owed to them from Nova Scotia Health Authority officials dating back to 2012.
Allan MacMaster, the Tory MLA for Inverness, brought the concern to the provincial legislature recently.
MacQuarrie tells The Hawk sewer and fire services fees are owed to them.
“The two have not been paid,” she says. “We know that hospitals are exempt from property tax, (but) there are services that are provided that, according to the Municipal Government Act, have to be paid.”
MacQuarrie says they’ve written letters, made phone calls, brought it up at UNSM meetings, and have finally been able to get in touch with Derek Mombourquette, the province’s municipal affairs minister.
She says they believe they’ll have the money soon, which they’re factoring in with budget deliberations on the horizon.
“Being represented by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and dealing with this matter, we feel that we will have payment soon.”
MacQuarrie says NSHA officials also have an agreement with their CBRM counterparts, who are owed more than $2 million.
Photo credit: Nova Scotia Health Authority (www.NSHealth.ca)