Hanover residents will see a 2.9 per cent increase on this year’s tax bill.
Council formally approved the 2008 budget last night
This year’s tax bill will be about 45 dollars more for the average Hanover resident.
Hanover council approved the 2008 budget at last night’s meeting, with a tax increase of 2.9 per cent.
Mayor Kathi Maskell says council’s goal was to bring in a budget with an increase under three per cent.
However, water and waste water rates are increasing by about 56 dollars this year.
Maskell says so far, user fees have not been covering the cost of water consumption, and the province has asked them to ensure that they are.
Starting July 1st, residents will be charged a flat rate of nine dollars a month, and then charge a consumption rate based on how much water is used in a month.
Maskell hopes this will encourage water conservation.
There was also much debate this year on whether to raise the price of garbage bag tags.
Council has voted unanimously to leave the rate at a dollar per tag.
Maskell says the introduction of bag tag fees was to encourage recycling, and she doesn’t want to see them become a revenue source.
The budget totals 11.1 million dollars this year.
Maskell says she’s pleased with the numbers, as it’s a reasonable increase and it allows the town to take on some bigger road projects, and maintain the current level of service.
The town finished last year in good financial shape as well, with a 295 thousand dollar surplus.
