STRATFORD, P.E.I. — There was plenty of arm twisting and hair pulling.
However, there was no property tax increase for Stratford residents in this year’s budget, which was described by the town’s finance chairwoman and mayor during Wednesday’s meeting as “challenging” to draft.
Coun. Gail MacDonald, who chairs the finance and technology committee, said a number of major projects and investments, notably a new emergency services facility now under construction, effected this year’s budget.
For example, as a result of the new facility, fire dues for dwelling units will rise from $68 to $105 per unit and from $158 to $600 per commercial unit.
However, MacDonald said the town will continue to provide fire services through municipal property tax without requiring customers to pay anything additional.
At least for now.
“This year we managed to get a budget passed without a tax increase. We’ll have to wait and see how things work out for next year,” MacDonald said after council passed this year’s operating and capital budgets for the town and water and sewer utility. “We’re hoping, with continued growth in our town, that hopefully we won’t (need to increase taxes).”
Some discretionary expenses were also cut in order to keep the tax rates status quo, including council and staff travel and training, promotions and consulting fees.
Mayor Steve Ogden said budget discussions were difficult, although all at the table agreed there would be no property tax increase.
“It took a lot of meetings and a great deal of arm twisting and hair pulling but we got it done,” said Ogden, who praised council and staff.
Ogden said one of the financial issues facing the town is the revenue-sharing agreement with the province, which will see about 61 per cent of this year’s property taxes go to the province.
“Stratford is concerned about our ability to financially keep up with the demands of a growing community and infrastructure requirements,” he said. “We’ve raised those concerns with the province, we’ve had good discussions and we’re pleased to say they’ve agreed to work with us to find a solution.”
Ogden said this year’s budget aimed to address needs that were identified as the most important to residents and that other projects were included in the town’s five-year capital plan, which council also approved Wednesday.
MacDonald said she was pleased to be able to present a balanced budget, while also noting other initiatives such as upgraded water and sewer infrastructure, watershed improvements and more.
“There are great things happening in Stratford,” she said.
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