By Mark Squibb
Holyrood council has approved a balanced budget of $4,746,905 that will see no tax increases for residents or businesses.
The residential and commercial mil rate will be held steady at 7 and 12 mils respectively.
Council also reduced – or, in some cases, eliminated entirely – a number of rates and fees. New construction permits, general residential repairs, and commercial extensions have all been cut by 50 precent, while fees associated with hookups to town services (both water and sewer) for both existing houses and new builds have also been reduced. Improvement fees associated with new housing and business builds, and fees associated with water shut off requests due to leaks and other emergencies have been eliminated altogether.
“These measures are being taken to support our residents and to encourage others to come to Holyrood and make it their place of choice to live, work and play in a supportive community,” said councillor Laura Crawley, who presented the budget. “The reduction in commercial fees will encourage companies to become members of the Holyrood business community and become good corporate citizens.”
The Town will continue to offer residents an interest free payment plan for tax payments, while seniors receiving the GIS will receive a 20 percent discount on property tax for their primary residence. The Town will also provide families who have a combined income of $30,000 or less with a 20 percent discount
Crawley said the Town continued to adhere to the Curran Report when drafting the budget. That report, an operational review drafted by consultant Pat Curran in 2023, found the Town top heavy with management and made 20 recommendations for improvement, including a restructuring of staff, an adoption of a revised pay scale, and the cutting of at least one management position.
Through cost-shared funding, council will undertake a complete overhaul of its aging sewage treatment plant, valued at about $2.2 million worth of work, for which the Town will be on the hook for only 10 percent.
In 2025, the Town will also host public consultation sessions in regard to the proposed new community centre. Council earlier this year accepted $908,060 in 2023-2026 multi-year capital works funding for construction of the facility. Councillor Sadie King, who led the campaign for a community centre, said that budget item was like seeing a long-held Christmas wish come true.
On the recreation front, council has budgeted for further improvements to the boardwalk.
The Town will also continue to attempt to secure radon kits for residents.
The lion’s share of Holyrood’s revenue, some $4,187,230, will come from taxes. The Town is also bringing forward a surplus of $69,000 from 2023.
“Our activities of 2024 have enabled our council to build a solid foundation for 2025,” said Crawley. “We are ready to begin the new year with renewed energy and enthusiasm.”
Mayor Gary Goobie said he was very pleased with the budget.
“I think that we took a balanced approach in recognising and addressing the priorities of our residents,” said the mayor.
Goobie also noted the debt servicing ratio had dropped from 13 percent in 2024 to 11 percent.
“That’s a very healthy and comfortable position to be in, and it’s on par with most municipalities cross the province,” he said.
Council approved both the budget and tax rates unanimously.
“I fully support the budget,” said Deputy Mayor Michelle Woodford. “We were able to maintain the mil rate, we were able to eliminate or reduce rates and fees, while still maintaining the quality and efficiency of the services within the town.”
Councillor Bruce King called the budget well planned, flexible, and realistic, and added that he hopes the fee cuts will attract residents and commercial operations to Holyrood.
Councillor Mabel Tilley said she had a positive experience with what was her first municipal budget, and that council and staff worked together as a team to bring forward the best budget for residents.
Councillor Steve Winsor echoed the sentiments of many of his fellow councillors, and noted that this year’s budget process went smoothly, which he attributed in part to recommendations from the Curran Report implemented by the Town, such as requiring directors to draft a business plan for their respective departments. Winsor also applauded the elimination and reduction of certain fees, citing the national housing crisis.
