News Release Archive
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS--PICTOU MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT STUDY RELEASED ----------------------------------------------------------------- Amalgamation will address many of the challenges faced by the six municipal units in Pictou County says a municipal government report. The study conducted by KPMG Management Consulting concludes that the status quo is not an option to effectively address the daunting financial and operational challenges facing Pictou County municipalities. The study indicates that amalgamation would yield annual savings of $1.7 million or seven per cent of the annual tax revenue of the six municipalities while providing for more effective and efficient regional decision making. This increased flexibility is essential in setting priorities in the areas of planning, development and infrastructure utilization. The report states "an amalgamated municipality can manage growth, infrastructure utilization and the competition for development more efficiently than six individual municipalities." The study was commissioned by the provincial government at the request of the six municipal councils in Pictou County. The consultants presented their report to Municipal Affairs Minister Sandy Jolly and the six councils Tuesday. "The councils now have the information and framework upon which to move forward in developing a regional government for Pictou County," said the minister. The objective of the study was to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages, financial and non-financial, of adopting a single regional municipality for Pictou County. The study also involved reviewing the current financial status of the six municipalities and their ability to sustain increasing costs within current structures. The report says that the Pictou County municipalities are faced with reductions in revenues, increasing expenditures and deteriorating infrastructure. Significant service level reductions and continued deterioration of their infrastructure will result if structural change is not initiated. The consultants held extensive public consultation throughout the county in addition to working closely with the elected and appointed officials for all existing local government units within the county. "The report clearly states that change is necessary for local government in Pictou County," said Ms. Jolly. "I urge councils to carefully review this report. I am prepared to work with them to begin the process of implementing regional government in Pictou County." The municipal units included in the study were the Municipality of the County of Pictou and the towns of New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, Trenton and Westville. Copies of the report will be made available in libraries in Pictou County. -30- NOTE TO EDITORS: A backgrounder on the study can be obtained by calling 902-424-4492 or 1-800-670-4357 (toll-free). Contact: Michelle Whelan 902-424-6336 trp Mar. 27, 1996 - 8:30 a.m.