Memorandum of Understanding for Municipal Reform

P.O. Box 910, Pictou, NS, B0K 1H0
info@onepictoucounty.ca

RESIDENTIAL TAX SAVINGS

For every $100,000 of assessment the saving is $54.60

PLEBISCITE RESULTS

http://bit.ly/1XW90og

LOWER TAXES WITH THE SAME OR BETTER SERVICES

Thanks to savings that will be generated and a capital plan focused on the health & safety of citizens and promoting growth.

$69M FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS

This unprecedented level of investment will serve as an economic stimulus for our region and ensure people have access to the same or similar services.

OPERATING SURPLUSES OF $1M PER YEAR

Amalgamation will produce on average $1M in savings during each of the next five years.

RIGHT-SIZING GOVERNANCE

The New Municipality will save $220,000 per year by moving from 31 to 11 elected officials. There will be a Mayor and ten Councillors. Each Councillor will represent approximately 3,000 electors.

$69M FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS

Projects have been targeted to address critical and core deficiencies in drinking water, local roads, and wastewater extensions and upgrades.

EQUALIZATION SECURED

At a time when this funding from the province is expected to decrease, we have secured equalization at current levels, allowing the New Municipality to plan with stability.

INVESTING FOR OUR SUCCESS

If amalgamation proceeds, the provincial government will provide $27M to help the New Municipality establish a strong foundation and address infrastructure needs.

STRONGER TOGETHER

Pictou County has the assets, opportunities and human capital to build a positive future and be a driver of growth for our province.

COMMUNITY IDENTITY

We will keep our community identities and traditions that make us proud to live here.

LOW DEBT

The New Municipality will be able to maintain a low debt load while making an unprecedented level of capital investment. The 6% debt ratio is much lower than the allowable standard of 15%.

ENSURE FAIRNESS

Reserves and savings of each participating municipality will stay in those former municipalities. Debts will remain the responsibility of the ratepayers of each former municipality until repaid.

Pictou County - Stronger Together

Like many communities in Nova Scotia, our region is facing significant challenges. A declining population, aging demographics, lagging economy, a flat or declining tax base, and difficulty attracting investment are critical realities that must be addressed. Not doing so will make it increasingly difficult to provide the kinds of core municipal services that citizens expect today, and in the future.

 

Amalgamating four municipalities in Pictou County is a first step that can help us face these challenges head on. Studies on the proposed amalgamation show that by joining together, we will be in a stronger position to provide the same or better services with lower taxes and to attract more economic opportunities to our communities.

 

Read the full submission to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board or get the Quick Facts.