The Alberni Pacific Railway train whistles have gone silent.
City Council derailed the tourist train last night saying it has become too expensive in an era of budget restraints.
Mayor Sharie Minions suggested they not fund operation of trains this year and take the time to figure out a better budget
“At the end of the day, as much as we all want a train to run in this community, we see the value of it, we were not satisfied with the numbers put in front of us,” she said. “It would have ended up being a subsidy to the city every time the train runs of $4500 and that wasn’t acceptable to council.”
Minions and other council members expressed regret at their decision, before dozens of solemn-faced rail supporters left the meeting.
Minions said she’s hopeful train service can be restored in 2020 when the famous Baldwin steam engine is scheduled to return from its major overhaul.
City Council carved more projects off their wish list last night as they look to balance progress with tax increases.
They started yesterday’s budget meeting looking at a 4.5% tax increase, and while some councillors are targeting a maximum 3% increase, Mayor Sharie Minions says she’s looking at equity and tax fairness.
Minions said it was difficult to eliminate needed programs and projects, but council wants to get the best value for tax revenues.
A Solar Panel Project approved by the past council was scrapped last night, but tens of thousands of dollars to improve the waterfront for this summer’s cruise ship visitors was added, with the proposed tax increase at about 3.7% or $75 for a single family home, by the end of the night.
Council will take another run at paring down the budget on March 4th.
