News Release
For Immediate Release
November 30, 2015
Happy Valley – Goose Bay, NL – The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay presented its 2016 Municipal Budget during the November Town Council meeting, highlighting a 21.9 per cent reduction in the residential property tax mil rate.
Council has decreased the residential property tax mil rate to 6.25, while maintaining both the commercial property tax and business tax at the 2015 rate.
During the pre-budget, public consultation period the town heard from residents on the importance of dropping the mil rate to compensate for the increase in residential property assessments.
“Council understands the financial strain an increased residential property tax would have on residents. The community united to present a strong voice on the matter and we have listened to their concerns,” said Deputy Mayor Cora Hamel Pardy. “We adjusted the mil rate while being mindful of balancing it with increasing expenditures for the municipality.”
“I am proud that council was creative and able to achieve a 21.9 per cent reduction for all homeowners,” said Mayor Jamie Snook. “In real terms, this reduction seriously mitigates against increased property assessments. For others it negates it entirely, and many others will see a reduction in their bill this spring. The real balance was in not sacrificing the sustainability of our town. That is helping people today with tomorrow in mind.”
During the budget process, the town dealt with the challenge of balancing a reduced mil rate with infrastructure and community investments.
The town has budgeted for investments in water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, recreational infrastructure upgrades and engineering of the wellness centre. Budget highlights include:
• $4 million in Multi-Year Capital Works Projects, cost shared on a 70/30 basis with the Government of NL
• Commercial vacant land tax increase to $2,500
• New 20 tonne and over landfill tipping fee – $150 for customers within the municipality; and $600 for customers outside the municipality
The municipality has yet to receive the Financial Audit statements from 2014. When the statements have been provided, the town will make adjustments to the budget, if necessary.
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For more information, please contact:
Naomi Sharpe
Public Relations & Special Events Manager
Town of Happy Valley – Goose Bay
o) 709-896-3254 ; c) 709-896-1609
publicrelations@hvgb.wpengine.com