2023 Budget Passed by Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s
Press Release
For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 15th, 2022
2023 Budget Passed by Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s
Portugal Cove-St.Philip’s, NL – During the regular Town Council meeting on Tuesday, December 13th, the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s council voted in favor of the 2023 budget. This was the second budget of the currently sitting council and it aims to deliver a fair and responsible approach to the year ahead.
Over the past year the province has seen significant inflation-based cost increases and the price to deliver Town services has been impacted by the rising costs. The 2023 budget sees an increase of mill rate for property tax by 0.5; from 6.5 to 7.0 mills. This is the first mill rate increase for the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s since 2015. The Town will also discontinue early payment discounts, a trend seen throughout the municipal sector. For both residential and commercial users, water fees will increase by $75 and sewer fees will increase by $25. All revenue from water and sewer tax directly funds the provision of the service.
During the same meeting, council adopted a new Strategic Plan to map out the next 5 years of Town priorities. Council would like to acknowledge Town residents for the high level of public engagement during the budget and strategic plan consultation process. Preparation of the 2023 budget took into account the priorities outlined in the Strategic Plan, including support for the early stages of developing a new Town Recreation Lifestyle Centre, environmental initiatives such solar light installation in Voisey’s Brook Park, investment in recreation with development of community trails and splash pad at Rainbow Gully Park, and continued enhancement for public safety and infrastructure. The 2023 budget also includes financial support for economic development, arts, heritage, and tourism.
Total projected revenue and expenditures for 2023 is $15,853,763. Further information can be found on the Town’s website at:https://pcsp.ca/local-government/budget-tax-structure/
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Media Contact:
Laura Barnes
Communications Coordinator
The Town of Portugal Cove–St. Philip’s
709-895-8000 ext. 268
[email protected]