Rothesay Town Hall. Image: Staff photo
Rothesay council has approved the town’s 2021 budget, just hours ahead of the deadline set out by the province.
The $18.9-million budget presented to council Monday looks almost identical to the draft figures introduced Nov. 16.
Doug MacDonald, the town treasurer, said residents had the chance to provide input over the past couple of weeks.
“We did solicit on our social media multiple times request for comment and, to my knowledge, there were none received,” said MacDonald.
MacDonald said some “minor” changes were made to the budget to reflect a $25,000 increase for insurance costs and a $35,000 decrease for WorkSafeNB premiums.
Total proposed expenses are as follows:
- General Government Services – $2,417,000
- Protective Services – $5,439,000
- Transportation Services – $3,688,000
- Environmental Health Services – $842,000
- Environmental Development (planning) – $649,000
- Recreation and Cultural Services – $2,147,000
- Fiscal Services (P&I) – $986,000
- Capital Expenditures – $2,715,000
Water And Sewer Charges
While the tax rate will remain steady at $1.24 per $100 of assessment, residents will pay an average of five per cent more for water and sewer charges.
It is the first increase for water and sewer rates in five years, according to a previous presentation from town staff.
The water consumption will increase to $1.18 per cubic metre from $1.15. For the “typical” residential customer who uses 270 cubic metres per year, this will lead to a $9 increase.
The annual fixed water charge will rise by $5 to $205 while the standard sewer charge will go up by $30 to $400.
Capital Budget
A total of $5.5 million has been budgeted for capital projects in 2021, which includes some carry forward from 2020.
The total includes $1.6 million for street surfacing, $125,000 for a stormwater management plan, $285,000 for sidewalk and curb projects, $300,000 for the Clark Road and Spruce Street intersection, and $600,000 for the arena renovation.
Town council also approved capital funding Monday for council chamber modifications in order to safely hold in-person meetings again.
John Jarvie, the town manager, said the $80,000 to $90,000 will come from the capital reserve fund.
“We would point out that some of these costs are liable to be incurred in the future in any event to maintain the audio system required in the space for recording and amplification of sound,” said Jarvie.
You can view the budget documents on the town’s website.
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