SPANIARD’S BAY, N.L.
The Town of Spaniard’s Bay has adopted its budget for 2019, introducing no changes to its taxation or fees structure.
The balanced budget of almost $2.32 million represents a small increase of approximately $18,500 over the previous year’s budget. It was adopted at a council meeting held Wednesday, Jan. 16.
Among the more noteworthy changes in the budget is a near doubling of funds to support the fire department. Of the $69,850 earmarked for the department, $20,000 will go towards the purchase of two replacement breathing apparatuses. Firefighters will also receive remuneration as part of the budget, sharing $9,750.
A reduction in staff will result in $26,000 in savings for the town, but it expects those savings will be largely offset by increased legal expenses in 2019 related to property sales resulting from overdue taxes.
On the infrastructure side of business, the town is due to complete paving and road reconstruction for Brown’s Road and a lift station upgrade for Mint Cove. A backup generator will also be installed at the municipal chlorination plant. Under the five-year capital works program, Spaniard’s Bay has applied for funds to complete paving and road reconstruction at Mint Cove Pond Road North. Other priorities include work on Pondside Road, Rectory Avenue and Casey’s Lane, plus water and sewer service for homes currently unserved on the main road through Tilton.
Under the federal gas tax fund, the town has prioritized a number of projects, with the number one priority being to pave and resurface Hunt’s Road, followed by Peddle’s Road and Butt’s Path.
Spaniard’s Bay has budgeted $22,000 for the renewal of its town plan. Also new in this budget are a pair of $1,500 grants for the tourism advisory and marina committees.
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