The Town of Mahone Bay has released its budget – including general and utility budgets – totaling $6.04 million.
Residential taxpayers will see their rates go unchanged for the third successive year, while commercial rates are going up. Having been frozen for the past two years due to COVID-19 commercial rates are rising from$3.025 per $100 of assessment to $3.055 per $100 of assessment.
Another cost increase that will impact residents is the increase to the infrastructure charge – which finances everything from roadwork to wastewater mains to recreational facilities – which is increasing by $5 from $295 to $300 per unit.
Although residential rates are going unchanged the town anticipates that most residents will see increases in their tax payments as a result of increased assessed values. In response, Council has overhauled the Town’s Low-Income Property Tax Policy, which now provides assistance up to $1,000 to those with household incomes of $40,000 or less.
In a release the town identified some of the key areas they will be spending this year and in subsequent budgets which include;
- Continuing to take steps toward a comprehensive asset management strategy with the Asset Management Committee, including initial collection of data to support development of asset management plans for natural assets, including an Urban Forest Master Plan.
- A new community-led process for the development of a new logo for the Town of Mahone Bay.
- Building on the Provincial Housing Needs Assessment currently underway, an initiative to develop a local Housing Strategy with community participation.
- Climate mitigation initiatives from the Town’s Community GHG Reduction Action Plan, including improving our emissions inventory, engaging residents on active transportation, encouraging EV adoption, supporting electrification of home and business heating, and development of community solar gardens. A new Climate & Environment Committee has recently been established to provide additional input on the Town’s numerous environmental initiatives.
- Development of an Operational Plan for implementation of the new Lunenburg County Accessibility Plan, developed by the Lunenburg County Accessibility Advisory Committee including targeted audits of Town facilities and infrastructure.
- Conclusion of “Plan Mahone Bay” public process to review and update the Town’s Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law, conducted by Upland planning + design.
- Continuing to build reserves necessary for long-term planning and asset management, utilizing gas tax revenues, deed transfer tax, and dividends from the Alternative Energy Resource Authority.
The Town Council also approved new and ongoing capital expenditures for 2022-23 – including general and utility budgets – totaling $20.1 million, supported by a projected $9.46 million in external funding.