December 2 Council Highlights

The Municipality of Pictou County held its monthly council meeting on Dec. 2. Here are highlights from the meeting:

Council has agreed to increase the eligibility limit for its low-income tax exemption. The former policy stated that MOPC residents could be eligible for a tax exemption if their total income was less than $22,000, however, some councilors raised the point that the poverty level in Nova Scotia for a family of four rests around $25,000. Councillors agreed to increase the eligibility threshold so that more MOPC residents can take advantage of the exemption. Residents can receive up to $200 in a tax exemption if they meet all the criteria. The deadline to apply for the MOPC exemption is March 31, 2020.

Council has approved a tax exemption for the Hillside Community Centre regarding lands and building at 27 Chance Harbour Road, Hillside. This is the location of the society’s new community centre which will be hosting an open house on Dec. 15 from 2-4 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

A new Volunteer Recognition Policy has been approved by Council. The policy outlines who is eligible to be nominated for recognition and how the nominee is selected. Each year, the MOPC selects an individual for the Provincial Volunteer Awards held annually in Halifax. Nominations for the MOPC’s Volunteer Recognition will open in the New Year.

Report from Coun. Debi Wadden on the Municipal Alcohol Project and its latest conference involving alcohol usage in the province. Council agreed to invite a representative from Addictions Services to its Chambers to speak about the importance of the Municipal Alcohol Project and its future goals.

Coun. Peter Boyles gave a brief presentation to Council about his attendance at a Lyme Disease Conference in Bridgewater this fall. Coun. Boyles said Nova Scotia has a high percentage of ticks that carry Lyme disease and it needs to be taken seriously by everyone.

The early stage of the Municipality of Pictou County’s internet project is continuing to progress at a steady pace. Work is continuing in all areas of the County that involves crews taking inventory of existing infrastructure related to the project. Updates will be posted on the County website and social media sites.

Council will meet again on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. in Chambers for its monthly Property and Finance Committee meetings. Everyone is welcome.