Province Suggests Property Taxes Should Be Lower

The numbers are in and the provincial government is recommending Saint John lower it's property tax base rate by about 5 cents. Finance Minister Greg Byrne announced the recommendations for all municipalities across the province under the governments new property tax accountability mechanism.
The rates are determined by a formula using the tax base of communities from the previous year, plus new construction and a market value increase of up to inflation.
Saint John's current rate is 1.78, and the province suggests it should be at 1.73.
Around greater Saint John---Rothesay is suggested to be 10 cents lower, Quispamsis by about 11 cents, Grand Bay Westfield by 9 cents, and Hampton by 8 cents.

No Injuries in Accident Last Night

Three people may be purchasing lotto tickets after a car crash last night.
City police tell us just before 9 o'clock a vehicle carrying three people rolled onto it's roof on Hillcrest Road.
The car appeared to be destroyed when police arrived, but all three passengers were able to escape injury.
Police say it's not exactly known how the car flipped, it seems the driver just lost control.

Councillor Encourages Composting

[Councillor Chris Titus----File Photo]
Composting organic material can save you and the city money. That from Councillor Chris Titus highlighting some points in the Fundy Solid Waste Commissions budget. With the charge for compostable materials going from 35 to 28 dollars a ton, Titus says it's an obvious choice for residents to use their compost bins:

Titus says right now people are composting about 19 per cent, but would like to see that number increase to around 40 per cent.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

A big crowd is expected tonight for the 57th annual Saint John Santa Claus Parade. With close to 70 floats and dozens of marching bands, there is sure to be something for all to enjoy. Spokes-person Leslie Keating tells CHSJ News, along with collecting coats, several people will walk along the parade route looking for other donations as well.
The parade gets started at six on the causeway and will wrap up in the North End. Along with your letters to Santa, your encouraged to bring a coat or food for pick-up along the route and the Animal Rescue League is also collecting cat food.