Issues and Options Summary

Why do we need to look at our options?

Shelburne is at a cross roads. The following issues need to be addressed: 

• Declining population - 13.5% drop from 1996 to 2006 

• Eroding tax base and decreasing financial reserves 

• Increasing service costs

What are our options?

There are options which may help address these issues, for example: 

• Amalgamation with a rural municipality 

• Remaining a Town and raising taxes and / or cutting services 

• Sharing more services with other municipalities may help as well

Note: Community Economic Development should be part of whatever solution is developed. This study is looking at shorter term financial and governance issues.