‘Maximizing momentum’
No property tax increases but plenty of planning for the future in Montague’s 2018 general budget
Mayor Richard Collins is calling it one of the best budgets Montague has ever presented.
“As a result, we’re almost debt-free, we’re in great shape, we’re paying off our bank loans and moving into a lot of new, small projects that are going to make the town even better,” he said after council met Monday night and passed a budget that is focused on maximizing past momentum while planning for the town’s future.
Council voted unanimously 5-0 to approve the town’s general operating budget for 2018, which saw no tax increases.
With last year’s budget including major projects to celebrate the town’s 100th birthday, much of which came from ACOA funding, budget director Jill Walsh said the town wanted to keep moving forward which is why this year’s budget has a theme of “maximizing the momentum.”
Walsh said the town is in a good position after concentrating on debt reduction as well as strengthening core infrastructure in the last several budgets.
“That has worked out pretty well… now we’re in a position to grow and support the town in its growth,” she said. “We’re in a strong financial position, our essential infrastructure is stable at this point and doesn’t require the heavy investments we have (previously) made. And we are ready to take on some new initiatives.”
The budget has projected revenue of $2,124,245 with a surplus of $2,486 after expenses, with property taxes remaining constant at 72 cents for residential and 95 cents for commercial. The budget also looks at a 15-month period from this January to March 31, 2019, in order to comply with changes to the fiscal year in the new Municipal Government Act.
The budget included $21,000 for festivals and events as well as $45,000 allocated towards a “wish list” for enhancing the waterfront.
“(The waterfront) is the centre of the town and centre of action for at least six months of the year,” said Walsh, noting that the number of items on the list that could be completed this year will depend on how many funding partners the town can secure.
There will also be $16,000 to partner with service clubs and other funders to create a splash pad, $10,000 towards exploring options for a pedestrian crossing for the south side of the river and $5,000 for a façade program that will see small grants provided to Main Street businesses to enhance their storefronts.
Other new initiatives will include the installation of a sidewalk from Fraser Street to Queens Road and School Street as well as a 200 KwH solar array at the Wellness Centre. Both of those will utilize the town’s gas tax allocation.
Walsh said the new initiatives in the budget are in addition to the regular maintenance and operating expenses of the town.
Mayor Richard Collins praised the budget as a “Valentine’s budget” and presented Walsh with a bouquet of roses before her presentation. He also credited Walsh, council and CAO Andy Daggett for cooperating together on the document.
Council will vote on its utility budget during next month’s meeting.
Coun. Jim Bagnall was absent from the meeting.