HomeMy Public PortalAbout2011-06-09_2011-12 Budget_pdf PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 9, 2011
COUNCIL APPROVES 2011/12 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER – Council for the Municipality of the
District of Chester approved their 2011/12 operating budget today. This year’s
priorities are upgrading infrastructure, preparing for the initial implementation of
long-range planning initiatives, increasing public awareness and communication,
and delivering services with more efficiency and knowledge.
Warden Allen Webber explains just how Council plans to meet those priorities.
“Council identifies the goals of the Municipality, sets policies to achieve those
goals, and then manages them through the budget process.” He further
elaborates, “The budget is a tool that guides staff towards outcomes through
day-to-day operations.”
Infrastructure upgrades include development of the Eco-Park at Kaizer Meadow
Environmental Centre as well as road improvements and site upgrades. The
central sewer system will also receive upgrades and preparations will be made for
closure of the Mill Cove water treatment plant. Mill Cove will receive repairs to
the existing sidewalk while engineering and design plans are set for a Chester
Basin sidewalk. Plans for installation of a sidewalk in the Village of Chester are in
the works.
Preparations for several long-range plans will also be initiated. A review of the
Planning Strategy and Land-Use By-law will result in an update of the document
as well as recommend changes to allow for development along Highway 3 in
Chester. The review will also take into consideration improvements
recommended in the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan and Active
Transportation Plan.
All departments will increase their level of communication with the public.
Awareness is needed in the areas of Building Code, fire inspection and services,
by-law enforcement, Planning directives, and Recreation projects, such as
alternate transportation, green space, and active living.
With new legislation, new regulations, and imminent downloading from the
Province, Council and staff must remain current in order to meet demands from
the public. Therefore, priority has been given to professional development so we
can deliver the information the public needs.
Both the Residential/Resource tax rate and the Commercial/Business Occupancy
tax rate will increase only slightly this year (1¢ over last year) to balance the
$18,934,974.00 Operating Budget. The Residential rate is 64¢/$100 of
assessment, while the Commercial tax rate is $1.54¢/$100 of assessment.
The Municipality’s mandated contribution to the Province equals 66% of the
general tax revenues. Of that total, education costs make up almost 42%; the rest
supports costs associated with protective services, roads, assessment services,
library and regional housing, is education costs.
“Overall, the 2011/12 Operating Budget reflects the needs of the community and
the Municipality’s desire to meet those needs consistently and efficiently,” says
Warden Webber.
To view the budget, please visit www.chester.ca or contact the Municipal Office
at 902-275-3554.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Warden Allen Webber
Municipality of the District of Chester
(902) 275-3554 phone (902) 275-4771 fax
awebber@chester.ca