Colchester County Council approved its 2024/25 operating budget on April 25, 2024, with no increase to the residential or commercial tax rates. This is the sixth year of the last seven that the Municipality has been able to keep its rates the same, with just a half cent increase in 2019. Residential properties will continue to pay $0.885 and commercial properties $2.28, per 100 dollars of assessment as determined by Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC), the independent, not-for-profit organization that is responsible for assessing all property in Nova Scotia.
The balanced budget increased from $38.7Million last year to just over $42Millon this year. An 8% increase in tax revenue from residential development and 14% increase in revenue from commercial development helped accommodate the larger budget without rate increases. “We are very fortunate that we’ve experienced record growth and development here in Colchester,” says Mayor, Christine Blair. “By increasing our taxbase we can accommodate the rising costs we’ve experienced in recent years without having to increase our tax rates.”
The budget supports the Municipality’s quality, core programs and services, and continues to invest in critical infrastructure and economic development initiatives. Partnerships such as the Truro Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity (TCPEP), the Rath Eastlink Community Centre, as well as future housing initiatives are also included.
Numerous community organizations will again receive support through the County’s extensive not-for-profit grant programs. “Council carefully reviews grant applications from dozens of community groups each year. These organizations, many volunteer-led, are critical to providing important services and facilities in our Municipality,” added Mayor Blair. “We are pleased to support these dedicated groups that work so hard to make our communities better.”
Each year the County’s operating budget is set within a context of competing needs, requests, opportunities, and anticipated revenues. Some costs and revenue streams are not within the Municipality’s control. Over 42% of taxes collected by the Municipality will be transferred to the Provincial Government for services such as schools, libraries, assessment services, and policing. This leaves the Municipality with $24.9 million dollars to deliver County-wide services such as sewage treatment, solid waste management, environmental planning, and recreation services.
Costs for education went up $973,000 this year while policing went up $670,000, each contributing to the required mandatory payments to the Province which totalled $17.3 Million. Retroactive pay for a new policing contract negotiated by the Federal government a number of years ago remains a concern. It is anticipated to result in increases to policing costs in the future.
“All and all, I want to thank Council and Staff for their tireless efforts in preparing this year’s budget. I am especially pleased that it positions us well for maintaining quality services and future growth, without increasing the tax rates for our residents,” concluded Mayor Blair.
-30-