By Mark Squibb/January 13, 2022
The Town of Witless Bay will spend some $1.36 million more this year than it did in 2021, according to the budget document released by the Town.
The 2022 spending and taxation plans weighs in at $5.76 million, an increase of about 30 per cent over last year.
The town expects to collect $1.26 million in taxes, both business and residential. Residential taxes, totaling about $905,185, will account for the lion’s share of tax revenue. Some 750 homes will be taxed, including 69 properties that will be taxed at the minimum rate of $550. Some 41 businesses will be taxed for a total revenue of $102,916 in property taxes. The town plans to collect a further $137,560 in other business taxes.
As reported in the Irish Loop Post last week, taxes for businesses are increasing pretty well across the board.
A large portion of the town’s anticipated revenue comes courtesy of provincial and federal governments. The town has budgeted over $2.89 million in government grants and subsides, the majority of which is expected to come from the provincial government.
One of the larger expenses is the cost of annual road and vehicle maintenance for which the town is budgeting a total of $393,000. Snow removal is estimated at $238,000.
The town has budgeted $124,500 for recreational and cultural services, $203,177 for fire protection, and just over $376,970 for general government, which includes salaries, benefits, travel, supplies, and insurance. The general government budget includes over $26,360 set aside for professional services. That term covers a wide gambit of occupations including architects, accountants, engineers, and lawyers
The town will also make a payment of over $212,000 to the Community Credit Union for five loans the town has withdrawn for various town projects, including a $899,442 loan for a new fire hall.
Council presented certain portions of the budget during a public meeting on December 30.
