Marathon budget talks in Picton

Prince Edward County council continues to struggle with its 2012 budget.

During yesterday’s day-long session councillors pared down what began as an eleven percent increase in the County’s budget.

Mayor Peter Mertens says council used two percent of the surplus and cut two percent in other areas, bringing the budget to an eight-percent hike over last year.

Mayor Mertens says this would have about a five-point-one percent increase on taxes. But County Council gets back at it again this morning, looking for more cuts.