Coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) has several municipal processes on hold, including passing the budget for some West Prince councils.
Both Tignish and Alberton councils have established their 2020-21 municipal budgets. But because of the coronavirus pandemic, they haven't been able to pass the financial plan.
"We haven't had a public meeting to pass it, so things are on hold right now," said Allan McInnis, Mayor of Tignish.
He said despite the pandemic, there hasn't been an extra cost to the town in order to provide services and meet the needs of residents.
"Most payments have been done online. Our maintenance staff is available if a situation arises and Tina, our recreation director, has been hosting a lot of activities through online platforms."
McInnis said town staff, businesses and residents have done their part in responding to COVID-19.
While McInnis wouldn't provide details of what the town's capital budget looks like, he said it is similar to last year.
He said there won't be an increase in taxes and he is in discussions with IRAC about water and sewer fees due to the town's lagoon development that occurred last year.
"We want a good system for the people hooked up on it at the lowest possible price."
"Our budget is ready to go, but we can't really do anything with it without it being approved and shared with the public."
Alberton Mayor David Gordon also wouldn't comment on the exact make-up of the municipality's 2020-2021 budget.
"Our budget is ready to go, but we can't really do anything with it without it being approved and shared with the public."
Like McInnis, Gordon said the budget was similar to last year's.
He also said taxes will stay the same.
Communications representative Ron Ryder with the Department of Communities said there are workarounds for municipalities under the current conditions, and municipal governments were sent newsletters with details on how to proceed during COVID-19.
For the time being, all Municipal Government Act administrative deadlines have been postponed until further notice. This includes the requirement for a public meeting in respect of the financial plan, adoption of the financial plan by council and submission of the financial plan to the communities minister.
The Guardian reached out to the mayor of O'Leary for comment but did not receive a reply by press time.
