Richmond Co. municipal building; CIGO file photo
A local municipality has delayed its budget decision as a potential tax increase looms.
At May’s regular Richmond Co. council meeting Tuesday evening, councillors voted 4-1 to hold another budget deliberation session, with District 5 councillor Brent Sampson voting nay.
They have held eight already, and staff were set to present the final draft budget at that council meeting.
Afterward, Amanda Mombourquette, councillor for District 4 and Richmond Co. warden, said some councillors were concerned about the impact of the third wave.
“It’s part of our rights as a group of councillors, but also part of our responsibility to give it the time and thought it deserves,” she said. “It’s a big decision.”
Mombourquette said they are looking at a tax increase but are working to make it as small as possible.
She said that makes it particularly important they get it right.
“There’s nothing wrong with taking some sober second thoughts on this particular budget. I’m a big believer in that,” she said. “I think it’s why people elected us, was to make sure that we were being thoughtful when we’re making decisions and not rushing ahead, and I take that responsibility pretty seriously,”
Mombourquette said they want to move quickly on this, and plan to hold a special meeting to approve the final budget before the next regular council meeting in June.
