Historic legislation reforming the Island’s municipalities was passed today in the Upper House.

The Municipalities Reform Act 2010 was given the go-ahead, but proposed amendments to delete a section levying wharfage and port dues were quashed.

Senators voted on whether to delete clause five of the act, which would allow the Corporation to continue to collect money from the Island’s ports.

The vote, put forward by Opposition Senator Michael Dunkley, was defeated six to five.

Progressive Labour Party Senators Thaao Dill, Marc Bean, Walton Brown, David Burch, Kim Wilson voted against the amendments as did Senate President Carol Ann Bassett.

United Bermuda Party Senators Mr. Dunkley, Suzann Roberts Holshouser and Jeanne Atherden were in favour of the proposed changes as were Independent Senators Walwyn Hughes and Joan Dillas-Wright.

Hamilton Mayor Charles Gosling has said his municipality would face “death by financial strangulation” because the new law would stop it collecting $7.5 million a year revenue from wharfage and ports.

For the full story read tomorrow’s edition of The Royal Gazette.