Rothesay is providing some relief to residents from rising property tax assessments.
Council approved the 2025 budget on Monday, which includes a two-cent tax reduction.
The residential property tax rate will fall to $1.17 per $100 of assessed value from $1.19.
“This reduction still accounts for rising costs associated with inflation while adequately funding our general fund capital and operating budgets,” Deputy Mayor Matt Alexander said during Monday’s meeting.
Alexander, who also chairs the town’s finance committee, said Rothesay’s overall tax base has increased eight per cent over the past year.
About 16 per cent of that is related to new construction while the remaining 84 per cent is a result of property reassessments, he said.
“Since the pandemic, many of our residents have seen property tax increases and those property tax increases are becoming a burden for our residents,” said Alexander.
The $25.2-million budget is about six per cent higher than what the town budgeted for in the 2024 fiscal year.
General government will see the biggest jump at eight per cent, primarily due to increases in professional fees, Fundy Regional Service Commission charges and “cost of assessment” fees.
Rothesay’s contribution to the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department will increase by 1.74 per cent while its contribution to the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force will rise by 1.34 per cent.
Transportation services will increase by 4.55 per cent, mainly due to a $100,000 increase in the snow removal contract and higher fleet maintenance costs due to aging equipment.
Recreation and cultural services will see a 4.6 per cent increase, which includes trail maintenance, regional facilities and parks, as well as the addition of a full-time staff member and the increased cost of seasonal workers.
Council has also approved more than $23 million in capital projects between the general and utility funds.
Some of the major investments include $10 million for the design and construction of a new wastewater treatment facility on Maliseet Drive, $2.8 million for the Wells connector trail and sidewalks and $1.5 million for the Arthur Miller Field replacement.
There is also money set aside for improvements on Wiljac Street, which staff estimate will cost $1.7 million.
Meanwhile, sewage rates will jump to $525 per year, an increase of $50 or 10.5 per cent. Water rates will also rise by 4.5 per cent.
You can view the full budget documents on the town’s website.
