Lunenburg Mayor Matt Risser is pleased with how the town’s Budget 2022/23 came together, believing it addresses most of the towns most pressing needs while also identifying challenges down the road.
“I’m really pleased with how the council came together and worked on this budget, we are following a plan and for the most part we’re on the same page,” Risser said.
The budget which was released last week includes an Operating Budget of $8,697,500 and a Capital Budget of $13,875,110.
It also left residential tax rates unchanged. Commercial rates were increased slightly, but in reality, the town is returning to the normally scheduled rate planned before the pandemic required them to offer temporary relief.
We looked at the initial release last week and focused on the Operating Budget, but Risser elaborated on the Capital Budget during our most recent interview.
“It’s quite an ambitious capital project, there’s a lot of planning for the future, So GIS mapping of our underground infrastructure, a parking study, a lot of reconstruction work (sidewalks and roads), some enhancements on Tannery Road and much more.” Risser said.
The project he’s most excited about is the Street Tree Program which will see more trees planted around the town, “People often think of planting trees as beautification, but they are actually key infrastructure in terms of stormwater management, cooling, increasing asphalt lifespan and many other ways.”
The budget also saw an expansion of financial assistance for low-income homeowners. Homeowners with household incomes under $29,999 (previously $24,999) are eligible to receive up to $500 relief from their property tax bill, based on their household income.
When the town released the budget they included a note that they are anticipating a salary increase for RCMP, which will ultimately cost the town more money and Risser explained how they are preparing for that, “We have made decisions in anticipation of when a new collective agreement is signed as ultimately that is a cost we don’t have much control over.”
Risser also says this budget will see the town develop a strategy to dispose of town assets, with the town looking to offload some of its real estate portfolio.
The town is still in the process of preparing a budget highlights document that will present all of the major items included in the budget in easy-to-understand terms.
