Money at heart of strained relations between Baddeck and Victoria County: village chair

Budget pressures are causing tension between the village commission in Baddeck, N.S., and Victoria County council, commission chair Jennifer MacDonald says. Last year, the county cancelled all of its long-standing funding agreements with the village, leading to discussions about which level of government is responsible for various services like sidewalk snow clearing and sewer and water services.

MacDonald mentioned that the shifting sense of responsibility and the need to renegotiate agreements due to changing circumstances over time are contributing factors to the current situation. Both sides are looking to make their dollars stretch as far as possible, but there is a struggle to determine the appropriate allocation of resources.

The village commission’s annual general meeting highlighted the challenges faced in reaching a consensus with the county. Despite the willingness to collaborate, the lack of a comprehensive capital plan is hindering progress. An engineer’s assessment on the village’s aging sewer system is expected in the fall, which will provide valuable information for future planning.

Victoria County has expressed a willingness to strike an agreement on shared services, but they require the village to present a five-year capital plan and supporting financial documents before committing to additional funding. The county has outlined specific areas for consideration, including property taxes related to village-owned water utility infrastructure, tipping fees for solid waste management, responsibility for garbage collection within the village, and potential support with tax collection.

MacDonald emphasized that the village no longer wishes to pay extra for services that residents already contribute to as county taxpayers. An example of this is sidewalk snow clearing, a service that the village has historically provided with partial funding from the county. However, the village does not own the sidewalks, making it a municipal responsibility according to the provincial Municipal Affairs Department.

The strained relationship between the village commission and the county council stems from financial concerns rather than personal issues, MacDonald clarified. While tensions exist due to differing levels of government responsibilities and financial pressures, there is a recognition that these challenges are not reflective of interpersonal relationships between commissioners and councillors.

As discussions continue between the village of Baddeck and Victoria County, the focus remains on finding equitable solutions that prioritize the needs of residents while addressing budget constraints. Collaboration and open communication will be essential in reaching a mutual understanding and securing sustainable funding agreements for essential services.