HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L. — An increase in the mill rate on residential and commercial properties — the first hike in more than 10 years, is one of the bigger items to come from the Happy Valley-Goose Bay budget for 2020.
The increase of 0.5 mill will add an extra $150 a year to a property valued at $300,000, explained deputy mayor Bert Pomeroy at the Dec. 2 council meeting.
"This is a fiscally-conservative budget, one that will allow us to meet our strategic objectives while, at the same time, continuing to provide quality services to our residents," said Councillor Michelle Baikie, chair of the finance, administration and policy committee.
Baikie said it was the first mill rate increase in over a decade and was needed to maintain the same level of services the town has now.
The residential mill rate will increase to 6.75 mills and the commercial mill rate will rise to 11 mills.
Council voted unanimously to pass the budget of $15.2 million, much less than last year's biggest budget ever for the town at $36.5 million. That budget included $16 million for the Central Labrador YMCA, which is expected to open in 2021 and is currently under construction.
A big-ticket item is the extension of Kelland Drive to Corte Real Road, at a cost of $4.2 million. The town has $6 million slated for roadwork, with the remaining $2 million being used for upgrading, paving and resurfacing roads.
The town is increasing its workforce this year, adding three new seasonal heavy equipment operators and two seasonal labourers for the water and sewer department. According to the town, the new positions are in response to concerns from residents.
More money is being put into replacing more of the town fleet, almost half of which are 2003 or older.
Mayor Wally Andersen told Saltwire last year that some of the current vehicles cost more to repair than they’re worth, so it will translate into savings for taxpayers over the long term.
The budget has been sent to Municipal Affairs for approval.
