Media Release: Town of Paradise Delivers Budget 2017; Maintains Residential Mil Rate and Public Services

The Town of Paradise 2017 Budget was presented tonight, December 6, 2016, during the regular council meeting. The balanced $36.6 million budget maintains the residential mil rate of 6.8 and continues to offer the current level of Town services and programs. There are also no changes to the water and sewer rate or to the commercial mil rate.

“As a Council, we understand the need to balance the provisions of programs and services within a reasonable level of taxation. We have worked hard to present a fair and balanced budget for the Town and maintain the full range of programs and services our residents expect and deserve,” said Councillor Deborah Quilty, Finance Committee Chair.

For the second year in a row, the Town conducted pre-budget consultations to seek input directly from residents. Through an online survey, residents provided feedback on their main priority areas for the Town of Paradise. The results showed that residents want reasonable property taxes and continued improvements to road and transportation infrastructure.

“It is important that we engage with our residents and seek their input on key planning initiatives such as the annual budget,” said Mayor Dan Bobbett. “We welcome the feedback from the residents of Paradise and we thank all those who completed the survey and forwarded comments and input for consideration. We are proud to present a budget that is in line with the views of our residents.”

In addition to maintaining current Town programs and services, other key highlights of Budget 2017 include:

$5.2 million federal-provincial cost-shared funding to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant to ensure compliance with the federal wastewater regulations;
Metrobus pilot project expanded to include Saturday route;
Continued road work and infrastructure improvements including traffic light sequencing at three intersections along Topsail Road (McNamara Drive, Paradise Road and Karwood Drive) and at the crosswalks on McNamara Drive;
$900,000 for work on Sunvalley Drive; and
Improvements to Dianne Whalen Soccer Hut, continued enhancements for Paradise Park, and skate park equipment for Camelot Crescent playground.

“We understand the responsibility of being prudent fiscal managers. We have given considerable thought to the financial course that’s needed for our Town for the year ahead,” said Mayor Bobbett. “That is why Budget 2017 focuses on maintaining the course –no changes to taxation levels and continuing with the full range of Town programs and services for our residents.”

For more information on the Budget 2017, visit www.paradise.ca/budget

Media Contact

Diane Keough, Communications Manager, Town of Paradise

email 709.782.2603 or 709.769.4212