Does Verdun finance Montreal?

Mrs. Barcelo raised this issue in relation to the budget that the Borough is about to adopt. She pointed out to Mayor Claude Trudel that the Mayor of Montreal, Gérald Tremblay, took pride in keeping his promises regarding tax increases but is now forcing boroughs to adjust to budgetary constraints.

Mr. Trudel admitted that he was not satisfied with the way the development funds were applied. These funds “compensate” boroughs that increase their tax base given their dynamic development, but the fact remains that Verdun does not have an “allocation” that is sufficient to compensate it for all of its running costs.

In 2007, the Borough appropriated part of its accumulated surplus to avoid the imposition of a special tax, but the Council did not want to resort to this option two years in a row. It will therefore impose a special tax ($21 for every $1000 of assessment) and will proceed with further cuts in its expenditures. The Council will also require a new contribution from its citizens for certain services, such as imposing fees for using tennis courts.

That being said, the APRIDS president said that the financial difficulties of the City of Montreal are forcing the Borough to undergo "contortions" just so it can balance its budget. Mr. Trudel did not deny this statement.