Essex Councillor Randy Voakes decided to leave town council early Monday night after councillors were unable to reach a decision on a grant for a potential new business in town.
The owners of Fitness Fury are looking for relief for the cost of water and sanitary sewer hook-up to a facility they are building on land leased from the municipality. The total amount would equal $23,600.
All councillors voiced a desire to help the owners, however, some felt doing so could be seen as "bonusing" or setting a precedent for other businesses in the town.
Councillor Randy Voakes said he is tired of councillors making it difficult to do business in Essex.
"When I see good will, good minded, good hearted people wanting to enhance the opportunities for the community be turned down on such small considerations, I just don't get it," said Voakes.
Proponent Dave Cassidy also left the meeting before council came to any conclusion.
A report before council administration recommended Cassidy apply for grants under the Community Improvement Plan. That could equal up to $11,000. Essex councillors voted to table the report until they received another legal opinion on bonusing under the Municipal Act.
Essex Mayor Ron McDermott said he can't in good conscience grant the request at this time.
"Not when our advisors, the ministry tells us, and our legal advisors tell us, 'you can't do it,'" said McDermott.
Voakes said he received his own legal opinion and was told that granting the request would not equal bonusing under the Municipal Act.
