A Saint John city councillor has put forward a motion to take the sale of Saint John Energy off the table.
City manager John Collin announced an unsolicited bid had been received for the utility during last council meeting’s sustainability report.
The report included several cost-saving recommendations aimed to balance the city’s budget and produce additional revenue into the future.
Councillor Greg Norton says while he understands the need to bring the city out of the red, selling the city’s power utility is unpalatable.
“Saint John Energy serves the ratepayers year after year after year,” he said. “To cash that in for a one-time payment to the municipality is short-sighted.”
Norton cited the benefit of lower than average power rates and the utility’s flexibility as reasons not to part with the energy provider.
Since last month’s meeting, Norton said he has heard from many residents who oppose the sale of Saint John Energy.
“Simply put, it is one of the things that is working in Saint John… and (residents) want to keep it,” said Norton.
The sale of Saint John Energy isn’t the only sustainability report item facing opposition at Monday’s meeting. Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary has also put forward a motion to strike down a proposed tax on heavy trucks.
Norton says he is willing to make concessions for the city’s future, but parting with the municipality’s energy utility is not worth the price.
“Let’s leave those things that are well and good, and saving us money alone,” Norton said.
