Vauxhall town council reviews Fortis

By Cole Parkinson
Vauxhall Advance
cparkinson@tabertimes.com

The Fortis Franchise Fee is staying put for 2020/2021.

After council had raised the fee from two per cent to four per cent in 2018, council had decided to keep it the same for 2019/2020. Fortis indicated to the town last month council would need to let them know if they wanted to raise it further for the year which council discussed at their Sept. 21 meeting.

At four per cent last year, it was estimated they would generate $28,759 in revenue.

With the COVID-19 pandemic causing plenty of financial discourse for many residents, council was fully aware a raise of the franchise fee would create more discomfort.

“Two things worth considering — one, the download of costs from the government onto municipalities so policing, tax changes, all of that stuff. At the same time, we’ve discussed COVID and how that has affected our families and our businesses,” stated Mayor Margaret Plumtree.

She further explained she would be in favour of staying at four per cent for the year.

“Myself, I am good with leaving it this year,” continued Plumtree.

“I know some have been trying to lower theirs, they do tend to be the bigger municipalities because they do have a bigger tax base.”

Others on council agreed and they confirmed there would be no raise in the Fortis Franchise Fee.

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