Miscouche says farewell to chairman

Sewer rates rise in Miscouche, but taxes stay the same

The chairman of the Miscouche council has officially resigned.

Peter Mallett recently put his resignation forward, and it was made official during the communities annual meeting a few days later.

During the community’s annual meeting, council also decided to increase sewer rates this year from $120 to $155 per single-family dwelling.

Tax rates will stay the same at 40 cents per $100 assessment for residential buildings and 90 cents for commercial. These rates have stood in place for as long as Mallett was on council, he said.

Mallett served on council for about 15 years, and was chairman on two occasions for a total of seven years.

He resigned for personal reasons. He is already retired, and spent a lot of his time working on council business.

Now he thinks it’s time to step back so he can spend time with his granddaughter.

“(It’s) time to let someone else take a shot at it.”

Mallett enjoyed his experience as chairman and met a lot of great people in the provincial government who were a huge help, he said.

“I’m sure I’m going to miss it. That’s the way she goes.” He hopes young members of the community will get involved with council to give back to Miscouche.

“There is some work to it, but there’s enjoyment as well.” Miscouche has been steadily growing these past years, especially in population.

In the last few years, they’ve added about four kilometres of sidewalk, Mallett said. “There should be another half-kilometre (added) this year.”

This year, the council is also working on renovating the fire hall, and buying more land so subdivisions can be expanded. The vice-chairperson will lead council temporarily. They have 90 days to call a by-election to fill the position.

If the vice-chairperson decides to run and wins, council will elect a new vicechairperson from among councillors. Then, a byelection will be called for a new council member.