Stratford, P.E.I.'s fastest growing community, is struggling with two expensive priorities for this year's budget.
The town would like to join Charlottetown's transit system, but it is also looking at hiring an additional RCMP officer. A new transit system would cost about $125,000 a year; an additional RCMP officer would come in at $100,000 a year.
Both were raised as priorities at a budget meeting Thursday evening.
"[We're] very, very seriously looking at both," said finance committee chair Coun. Emile Gallant.
"It's more than just looking at this year's budget. It's more we're going to have to look at planning long term, two or three years. I'm not sure we're going to be able to implement those two things right off this year. If council wants to look at that, we're going to have to look at a long-term plan."
Gallant said he doesn't want to increase property taxes, which limits available revenue.
The town was also asked to consider another transit option at the meeting, a subsidized taxi plan for seniors. Health worker Viola Evans-Murley made a presentation to council in favour of the program.
"From the town it would be a great support [for seniors], a type of taxi service that would allow them to keep their respect and dignity to be able to attend their appointments and support their independence," said Evans-Murley.
The town is tentatively setting aside $15,000 to help pay for the seniors taxi program.
Gallant said council will spend the next month debating the merits of each financial request, and the new budget will be presented at the first monthly meeting of council in January.
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