HomeMy Public PortalAbout2015-04-30_MR_BudgetMEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2015
MUNICIPALITY OF CHESTER HOLDS TAX RATE IN 2015-16 FISCAL YEAR
MUNICIPALITY OF CHESTER – Council is announcing their 2015-16 Capital and Operating
Budget more than a month earlier than last year – impressive. What’s more impressive is
that they have approximately 14% more in capital projects over last year, a net
investment of more than $800,000 to reserves, and an increase of 2.2% in mandatory
payments to the provincial government; all without an increase in the property tax rate!
Despite a rise in net expenditures of 2.7%, the Municipality is able to deliver on their
priorities and maintain service levels in the coming year. Much of the increase stems from
capital spending, marginal rises in general operational costs, grants to community
projects and economic development initiatives. The Municipality makes mandatory
contributions towards provincial services, such as education, policing, and assessment
services among others. The amount is 62.58% of our general tax revenue, equaling $6.96
million dollars.
An extra 3% in tax revenue ($400,000) allows for the stability in area rates, fees, and
property taxes, which are already among the lowest in Nova Scotia. All rates and fees will
remain the same except for tipping fees at the Landfill, which will drop to $68.54/tonne
(users within the Municipality) and streetlight area rates that have decreased across the
Municipality. The only other exception is the area rate for waste collection, which is now
the same for all residents at $0.093 (a marginal decrease for some and a marginal increase
for others).
Wind Energy projects will generate an estimated $970,000 in revenue for the Municipality
this year, from both the Kaizer Meadow COMFIT project, as well as the South Canoe Wind
Farm. After operating expenses for the Kaizer Meadow Turbine are netted out, the
balance ($479,530) is directed to Reserve Accounts. Reserves are a municipal “savings
account” for future projects. Using reserves to fund projects eliminates the need to
borrow for projects and thus, avoids the cost associated with borrowing (interest).
Earlier this year, Council reassessed priorities identified in their four-year Strategic Plan
that ends October 2016. Those rising to the top include economic development projects,
infrastructure improvements, Municipal Plan Review, and a “one counter” service level
for residents. This refocus is certainly reflected in this year’s Budget.
“Yes, this year’s Budget is aggressive,” admits Warden Allen Webber. “But, so are our
strategic goals. We want to put the Municipality in the position of financial responsibility,
investment readiness, and economic leadership. I think we are achieving that.”
Most notable in the Budget is $4.7 million in capital projects. With assistance from nearly
$2 million in infrastructure grants, including gas tax, the Municipality will improve public
sewer systems in Western Shore, Chester, Chester Basin, Mill Cove, and Otter Point. They
will also perform upgrades to trails, Municipal Offices (including Gold River), Chester Basin
Wharf, the Corn Hill retaining wall, Landfill systems and equipment, muni cipal roads in
Mill Cove, and Zoe Valle Library. Other projects include potential acquisition of prime land
for public space, Phase 3 of the Duke Street sidewalk, flood risk aerial mapping, and
tourism signage.
Operationally speaking, work programs and service levels will be aligned with strategic
priorities to ensure quality delivery to residents and businesses. Additional programs to
come include the option of electronic tax bills, delivery of multiple services at one
“counter”, Age Friendly housing initiative, a marketing strategy including municipal
rebranding, and availability of community space at the Municipal Office in Gold River.
The Budget, along with highlights, is available to all residents at the Municipal Office,
online at www.chester.ca, and in the upcoming Municipal Insight newsletter in mailboxes
next month.
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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