No tax hikes for Arnold's Cove

By KIRK SQUIRES

Residents and businesses of the Isthmus region's biggest town won't be paying higher property taxes this year.

Arnold's Cove passed its 2008 Budget Dec. 19.

"We can manage the town with the income we are getting now," says Mayor Tom Osbourne.

The only increase contained in the $1.3 million budget is a small hike in water rates to $240 per year, per household. Some businesses may see a higher increase because commercial water rates are based on usage.

"We are having a fair number of water leaks so it is starting to cost us more to maintain it (water system)," explains Osbourne. "The fairest way to do it, if that is what is costing us money then that's where the cost recovery should come from.

"The water pipes in the town are getting old and we needed to start putting some money into that."

Last year the town also installed a back-up chlorine system to ensure a safe water supply in the event of problems with the main system.

"We didn't think it was necessary to have a tax increase other than water tax. We can balance our budget without increases and still do some things in the town that need to be done."

Breakdown

Osbourne says the town is maintaining the status quo on most of its spending but some departments saw increases for 2008.

"There is a fairly good increase in the fire department's budget," he says.

The department is awaiting delivery of a new emergency response vehicle.

The town has also purchased a personal insurance package for firemen to protect their income if injured while providing volunteer service to the town.

"We feel they are providing excellent service to the residents and they deserve an increase in their budget," says the mayor.

"We have to also buy a new pager system. The system we are using now to call out firemen is antiquated."

Another highlight of the 2008 budget is an allocation of $60,000 for an economic development officer.

"That will help the town progress and take advantage of some the opportunities that are going to arise in the area."

Osbourne says the town has to also develop more residential land.

"Most of the building lots we have are sold. We have to look at expanding that and . . . we are hoping to attract a developer to do that," he explains.

"That is one of the things we will be looking to our new development officer to do."

The town is also starting a physician recruitment fund to address the need for more family doctors in the community. Council has earmarked $20,000 for that fund in 2008.

Council is also looking at the possibility of having to construct a new municipal building that would house the town offices.

"All in all it's a good budget for us," says Osbourne.

"We are looking to the future, we are trying to do some work around town that we need to do and keep ourselves moving forward. Hopefully, with some of the projects that are going to happen here we will be in a position to take advantage of them."

Full budget details are available from the Arnold's Cove Town Hall 709-463-2323.

ksquires@thepacket.ca