Farmers in Prince Edward County can breathe a bit easier.
Council voted at their meeting on Thursday to keep the status quo when it comes to the New and Young Farmers grant program.
A report was brought forward during the Committee of the Whole meeting at Shire Hall seeking to discontinue the program because council set a reduced farm tax ratio during budget discussions.
Councillor Janice Maynard felt it was important they continue supporting their farmers, especially since they passed the funding during their 2019 budget process.
Mayor Steve Ferguson said he felt it was double-dipping because all farmers benefitted from the decreased farm tax ratio and the new and young farmers could also apply for the grant.
He said they can’t allow both to exist.
Maynard sought a deferral for the motion to allow for the consultation of the Agricultural Committee prior to making a decision, but that was defeated.
A vote to discontinue the program was eventually lost.
Acting CAO Robert McAuley says because no action was taken the program will remain in place for 2019, but council has the opportunity to reevaluate the grant program during the 2020 budget discussions.
