Municipality of East Hants Council Approves New Budget
For Immediate Release – Elmsdale, NS
At their regular meeting on February 23, 2022, East Hants Council passed the 2022/2023 Operating Budget, the 2022-2027 Five Year Capital Budget and the Water Utility Operating Budget, following the presentation and review process. The budgets will come into effect on April 1, 2022. The Municipality has worked diligently to continue to exercise fiscal responsibility and minimize financial impacts to the community.
The overall municipal operating budget for 2022-2023 is $37.9 million.
“Council has approved a well aligned budget that meets the needs of the community,” says Warden Eleanor Roulston. “I believe we have struck a balance that sees investment in important capital projects while continuing to deliver key services, remaining fiscally responsible and maintaining an affordable tax rate for our residents.”
Highlights from the current budget:
- The general residential tax rate saw a slight decrease from $0.8507 to $0.8500
- The commercial tax rate was held at $2.60
- Residential assessments saw an increase of 10.13%, approximately 0.96% of which is from growth in new construction
- The commercial assessment base has grown by 8.58%
- The Municipality saw an increase of 12.23% in RCMP services with a four-year plan to increase the officer compliment from 23 to 28 officers
- An increase of 2.7% in the education levy collected by the municipality on behalf of the province
Tax rates are charged based on the assessed value of a property. Assessment rates are determined by Property Valuation Services Corporation.
The approved budget and operational business plans are two of the guiding documents that will support Council’s Strategic Plan and key priorities: Sustainable Infrastructure, Corporate Excellence, Strong Community and Economic Prosperity.
To learn more about municipal budgeting and to read the full business plan and capital budget visit: easthants.ca/budget.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Juliann Cashen
Communications Officer
Municipality of East Hants
(902) 883-6219