Linden Mayor Dominique Blair says the municipality is struggling to meet its monthly obligations to workers and could face disruptions to garbage collection after losing revenue from the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge and Kara Kara tolls.
Blair said several employees had approached him about salaries and the effect financial uncertainty could have on loan payments and accumulated interest.
He also said workers had left the council during the preceding four months, weakening its ability to carry out municipal duties.
The mayor estimated that the removed tolls represented between 52% and 60% of the council’s revenue.
The Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge became toll-free on August 1, 2025. The bridge toll had previously generated approximately $6 million monthly for the municipality.
The dispute widened in September when Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand revoked the 2016 by-laws authorising the separate Kara Kara toll.
The council has argued that the removal of both streams eliminated approximately $170 million in annual income.
During talks with President Ali’s administration last month, the council proposed restoring commercial tolls at half the previous rates. The Government agreed to review the proposal and examine the municipality’s revenue and expenditure.
That joint process also disclosed that the council’s audited financial statements were significantly in arrears. Government representatives said residents and businesses had complained that the tolls increased the cost of transporting goods into Linden.
Blair said the council has since submitted financial information and proposals but had not received a response by the time of his latest address.
