Losing $241,727 in funding from the province had an impact on decision making, as well as having to contribute $10,326 to the new Regional Service Commission.
Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll says despite the increase in tax rate, it's still one of the lowest rates in the province. He says they don't like increasing the rate, but they've had 4 years with a stable rate and the increase is to provide necessary services. Driscoll also notes despite the increase, $1.22 is still less than the $1.27 rate in 2008.
Over 1.3 million will be spent on improving road and sidewalks, including a sidewalk at Hampton Road and Quispamsis Road. Both police and fire (who are shared with Rothesay) seeing increases to their budgets. The police budget increasing 5% to 5.1 million, while fire sees an increase of 6.6% to 4.1 million which will include the hiring of 2 new full time fire fighters.
Sewer rates this year will increase by $8 to $376 per unit. Sewer rates for water meter customers won't be charged based on the water consumption cost anymore, but revert back to a flat rate of $376.
