A city councillor believes Uptown Saint John is spending too much on operating and administrative expenses.
The association’s 2019 business improvement area budget appeared before council Monday night for approval.
Nancy Tissington, the association’s executive director, said the $482,000 comes from a property tax levy paid by more than 270 uptown business owners.
The money is used for beautification initiatives and development activities aimed at stimulating local business.
But Coun. David Merrithew said about 60 per cent of the budget goes towards operating and administrative costs, which he calls “willfully high.”
Tissington originally said the number was closer to 30 per cent but later agreed with Merrithew, adding the association also leverages other funds which are not included in the numbers.
Merrithew was the only councillor to vote against the budget.
(Photo: Brad Perry/Acadia News)