Council Sets 2012/13 Tax Rates

Council Reduces 2012/13 Tax Rates

Berwick Town Council reduced both the residential and commercial tax rates by 2.9 cents at their May 8, 2012 meeting. Although the rates were reduced, existing services are not affected and several new initiatives were introduced that will benefit the town now and stabilize the budget for many years to come.

The residential tax rate was reduced from 1.620 cents to 1.591 cents, and the commercial rate was reduced from 3.909 cents to 3.880 cents. All rates are billed at $100 per assessed values.

Due to the fact that tax and sewer revenues will not normalize until next year, Council faced many tough choices in this year's budget to mitigate the effect on town residents. The approval of the $3.8 million dollar operating budget plans for the future, maintains core services and also achieves some new items including:

• $50,000 in funding (this year) towards Phase 2 of the Kings Mutual Century Centre, with the balance in future years

• beautification efforts for the town including lamppost banners and improved signage

• an additional $8,000 for road patching and maintenance

• improvements to the town hall including flooring and painting

• additional contributions to reserves to manage future expenditures and tax rate changes

• funding for the capital program to maintain existing infrastructure and new projects

Sewer Rate 

The sewer rate for 2012/13 was increased by 7/10ths of one cent, from 11.0 cents to 11.7 cents. The increase is required to pay for existing infrastructure maintenance and replacement, increased operating costs and to comply with federal environmental regulations.

2012/13 Capital Budget

Council also approved the $2.2 million dollar capital budget, project highlights include:

• $1,700,000 for the balance of the Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade project, which was required to keep the plant in compliance with environmental standards. Several funding partners were found to assist Berwick with this project.

• $324,000 to replace the fire department's #4 tanker. The funding for this project is split equally between the town, fire department and fire commission.

• $25,000 for Phase 1 of the Smart Community Initiative, a project to offer free wireless access throughout the town.

• $26,000 for signage improvements for the town.

• $85,000 for public works equipment replacements.

• Funds for required replacements and rehabilitation of existing assets, such as the town hall, sidewalks, fire department equipment and sewer pipes and pumping stations.

For more information please visit the 2012 Budget page for the electronic copy of the budget, copies of presentations and other information. Questions regarding the approved operating or capital budget may be directed to the Finance Department:

Greg Towne
Director of Finance
(902) 538-4014
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it