Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee says he’s disappointed there wasn’t a tax rate decrease on Wednesday but he understands why.
In an interview with The Guardian earlier this year, Lee said he hoped city council gave serious consideration to a tax rate dip when it came time to delivering the annual budget address.
However, there was no sign of it the budget which was brought down on Wednesday.
Related: Charlottetown announces $2.55 million surplus budget, no tax rate increase
“I understand and appreciate the concerns of council with going with a tax decrease and, quite frankly, 2017 saw us with a $2.3 million surplus,’’ Lee said. “I know some members of council felt we could reduce the taxes for this year but 12 months from now are we going to be in a position where we have to increase the taxes again?’’
Lee said if that were to happen, based on any one of a number of factors such as a winter like 2015 next year, it would create instability in the rates.
“I appreciate and understand that position of council. I think this is a fantastic budget of council, honestly.’’
