Accomplishing a lot in a year

The council of the Municipality of the County of Annapolis has recently marked its first year in office.

It has been a busy year evidenced by the following accomplishments for the benefit of county residents:

1. Hired a new chief administrative officer.

2. Resolved litigation brought against the county by Valley Waste.

3. The councillors gave up a regularly scheduled 1.7 per cent increase in salary.

4. Resolved litigation brought against the county by the other municipalities in the Annapolis Valley.

5. When staff recommended a four-per cent increase in the tax rate, the councillors reduced it to a one per cent increase.

6. Resolved litigation brought against the county regarding the internet project.

7. The councillors reduced taxes by forgoing expenses for conferences, training, meal allowance, hotel accommodations and airfare.

8. Resolved prosecutions brought against the county for violations of the Environment Act relating to the West Paradise waste transfer station.

9. Refurbished and reopened the picnic park in Upper Clements.

10. Made arrangements to use the services of Valley Waste for garbage pickup.

11. Resolved the old Graves litigation.

12. Sold the Basinview Centre when insurance was no longer available for it.

13. Commenced the first year of operation of the Sportshub in Bridgetown.

14. Provided a grant to encourage new doctors and nurse practitioners to the area.

15. Hired a consultant and two new planners to complete the countywide planning process

16. Joined the other municipalities in the Annapolis Valley in a two-year pilot project to review Valley Waste and Kings Transit

The council and staff will continue to work for the benefit of the residents of the county.

I will report again after the second year.

Alan Parish is the warden of the Municipality of the County of Annapolis.