HomeMy Public PortalAbout2012-05-17_2012-13 BudgetPRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 17, 2012
COUNCIL APPROVES 2012/13 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER –It’s business as usual for the
Municipality of the District of Chester as Council approved their 146th operating
and capital budgets earlier than usual. Maintaining operations on less money is
challenging enough, but add a multi-million dollar project and a multitude of
progressive goals, and Council had their work cut out for them.
“The annual budget is the single most important policy piece that Council
approves,” says Warden Allen Webber. “It’s a complex document that determines
which priorities will be the focus of staff and determines which direction the
Municipality will take going into the short-and long-term future”.
In the short-term, Council and staff will focus on projects related to public safety,
such as constructing several sidewalks, repairing the Chester Basin Wharf, and
installing a crossing for the visually impa ired in Hubbards. In addition, upgrades to
systems at all sewer plants and the Landfill site will ensure continuity of service.
They have also made economic and environmental sustainability a priority,
identifying several key projects aimed at promoting growth in the Municipality.
The biggest project, of course, is the large-scale wind-to-energy development
scheduled to get underway this fall at the Kaizer Meadow site.“This project will
benefit our community by strengthening our financial and environmental
sustainability,”Warden Webber pointed out. “The revenue will lessen our
dependence on property taxes as the only means to support growth and
development of our community and its long-term sustainability."
As well, by actively marketing the Eco -Park, the Municipality will promote
employment and bring ecologically sound industry to the area. Long -term, a
Climate Change Adaptation Plan is in the works.
The budget also provides opportunities in alternate transportation, which
demonstrates Council’s commitment to the sustainability, health, and well-being
of communities. Upgrades to the Chester Connection Trail, installing bike racks
around the Municipality, and establishing “Park Once” lots all contribute to this
philosophy.
Both the Residential/Resource tax rate and the Commercial/Business Occupancy
tax rate will remain the same this year despite an increase to the overall 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 rose slightly over last
year and consumes 66.6%of 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 .
Because of an increase in assessments value, the Municipality will see more the
$450,000 in additional revenue; however, the rise in costs of mandatory
Provincial payments will use more than three-quarters of it.
For more budget highlights and to view the budget in its entirety, 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