POUCE COUPE -- One day after Pouce Coupe Mayor Danielle Veach refused to comment about potential tax hikes and a loss of library services, the Former Mayor is now weighing in on the debate.

Lorraine Michetti says one of the reason why Veach is refusing to talk about the issue is because of the Village’s Code of Conduct that prohibits her from speaking.

Pouce Coupe residents have raised concerns about potential tax hikes and a decline in services, as the current mayor and councillors debate another round of finance drafts.

The Village had been exploring ways of reducing its deficit by cutting back on expenditures.

One of the proposed options presented during an April 3rd council meeting, suggested cutting back a funding increase of $21,000 for the local library, and $13,000 for the Pouce Coupe Museum.

Michetti says, “It’s a joke. She should be talking to some who negotiated the P.R.A. Agreement or at least to someone who understands it.”

In the latest draft, presented April 17th, that funding would stay in place but residents could see a year-over-year tax increase of 10 per cent until 2028.

Michetti said, “Raising property taxes on residents who are already struggling to make ends meet with the increase in the cost of living, is unacceptable.”

Pouce Coupe must approve its financial plan by the first week of May

“Pouce Coupe residents deserve the services that the library has provided in the past. Veach is looking to take that away from residents who are really struggling and who deserve those services,” said Michetti.

A special meeting open to the public has been scheduled for Thursday at 6:00pm at the Village office.