Rothesay Approves Draft Budget With Tax Reduction

This was not an “easy year” to make a budget, according to the mayor of Rothesay.

The draft operating budget approved by council includes a one-cent tax cut to $1.19 per $100 of assessed value.

Nancy Grant noted increased costs like $200,000 for the Fundy Regional Service Commission.

“Protective services up between $500,000 and $600,000, fuel up by $350,000. That’s almost a $1 million right there,” Grant said.

The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department has a 10.93 per cent increase for 2023 of $2.6 million, which includes capital expenditures.

The cost of policing in the KV sees an increase of 7.78 per cent for 2023 to nearly $3.3 million.

Transportation services — which include snow removal contracts, salt expenditures and wage adjustments — account for an aggregate increase of 14.3 per cent.

Due to the rising costs, the town expects to spend about $350,000 on fuel next year.

If passed, water and sewer rates would also increase by five per cent.

The draft budget was unanimously approved during a meeting last week.

The budget comes before council again on November 14th for final approval.