Wolfville watchers make budget changes happen

BY WENDY ELLIOTT

Kings County Register

Two recent public meetings seem to have attracted several dozen citizens to the budget deliberations of Wolfville town council. The final vote on town finances will be held May 20.

As a direct result of public input, the residential tax rate was reduced to the previous year’s level, $1.44 per $100 of assessment. The commercial tax rate reflected the reduction in Business Occupancy Tax and was tabled at $3.41.

In order to offset a revenue reduction of $203,742, several programs were cut: the satellite tourist bureau at Grand Pre, a parks consultant and beautification programs; and there were reductions to several festival and events programs.

The amended budget reflected a reduction in three seasonal staff positions and one full-time position. Town chief administrative officer Roy Brideau warns these cuts will have an impact on the public.

"Our service in the planning department will be reduced, as we are proposing not to fill the current manager of planning services position. As a result of this action, we have increased the consultants’ portion of the planning budget by $13,000.”

The mandated Integrated Community Sustainability Plan will be contracted out at an estimated cost of $8,000 and the additional $5,000 will be required for major planning applications.

Brideau expressed his pride in town staff, stating "I'd put them up against anyone."

Capital projects for the coming year include the completion of the recreation centre project, a complete rebuild of Sherwood Drive, equipment replacements, sewer plant upgrades and streetscape upgrades.

By the May 7 public meeting, the total cuts to general administration had reached $39,599. The capital budget was altered to reduce spending at Clock Park, remove a $20,000 walkway by the liquor store and add a new school playground project at $32,000, funded from reserves.

After more deliberation, Brideau said last week a decision had been made to reinstate the parks patrol, at a cost of $5,000.

He also warned these fiscal savings will move Wolfville away from its “Debt Free in 2023'" program; however, "the public asked us to tighten our belt."

The CAO noted, in the past, Wolfville has proved itself unique by doing what other municipalities don't.

"Now we'll have less money to give as grants to groups and to organizations for seed money."

In the most recent draft of the budget, the average increase in residential tax per dwelling unit is $35.37. For capped residential properties, the increase in tax burden is 0.17 per cent. The overall increase in the proposed budget is 1.68 per cent.

Last year's budget was $6.96 million; this year's draft places the town's budget at $7.08 million.

"It's been an interesting process," commented Brideau. "It is good to see the public out and engaged. I hope they continue to come out."