The Linden Mayor and Town Council in a statement have expressed significant concern following the government’s announcement that the toll on the Wismar McKenzie Bridge will be removed, effective August 1st, 2025. This decision, while welcomed by some, poses a major financial challenge for the Council, which has historically relied on toll revenue to support its budget.
The toll, governed by the Demerara River (Mackenzie) Bridge Act (Act 51:04), has contributed approximately $6 million per month to the Council, amounting to more than $70 million annually. With the removal of this vital source of income, the Council is now facing a substantial budget shortfall that threatens its ability to fund essential services.
As of now, the government has not engaged the Council in discussions about how to address this financial gap or provided any alternative funding solutions. In addition, with the new Wismar McKenzie Bridge set for completion within the next two years, the Council has yet to receive clarity on its responsibilities for maintaining and managing the new structure.
In light of these concerns, the Council is also revisiting its recent decision to approve salary increases for its employees. During a special meeting on February 6th, 2025, the Council voted to grant a 26% salary increase for workers, retroactive to the 2019-2022 period. Another salary adjustment was planned for 2022-2024. However, with the toll revenue no longer forthcoming, these salary increases are now in jeopardy, as the funding for them was directly linked to the toll revenue.
The Council is calling for an urgent and transparent dialogue with the government to address the following issues:
- Financial Impact of Toll Removal: The Council seeks a detailed discussion on how the financial challenges resulting from the toll’s removal will be addressed. They are urging the government to explore alternative funding sources to mitigate the negative impact on the town’s finances.
- Construction and Maintenance of the New Bridge: With the new Wismar McKenzie Bridge nearing completion, the Council is requesting clarity on its role in the bridge’s ongoing management and the allocation of adequate resources for its maintenance.
The Linden Mayor and Town Council have reiterated their commitment to working with the government to resolve these issues in the best interest of the town. However, they emphasized that the timely resolution of these financial challenges is crucial for the continued delivery of essential services to the community. The Council said it will continue to keep the public informed as the situation develops.
