By Mark Squibb
December 8, 2023 Edition
The cost to keep the Town Hall up and running in Witless Bay has increased over $250,000 according to figures contained in council’s budget for 2024.
Compared to Budget 2023, monies allocated for local government have increased to $704,886 from $450,320.
The total spent on salaries is projected to increase from $188,254 this past year to $251,600, next year. The payroll burden, which includes the Town’s share of Canada Pension Plan contributions, employment insurance fees, and payroll taxes, has increased from $16,358 to $55,854. Employee benefits are going up from the $2,000 budgeted this past year to $18,375, while professional development and training costs will rise from $6,000 in 2023 to $37,200. Costs for professional services, which include consultant fees and legal fees, is forecast to go up from $54,500 this year to $72,000 in next year.
Across the board there are some variations expected between the two budget years.
The Town is anticipating about $79,000 more in tax revenue this year, and council is also working with a $71,700 surplus from last year.
The protective services budget is down to $189,940 from $294,888, while transportation services is down to $189,940 from $294,888. Environmental health services, which includes garbage collection, is forecast to go down to $151,000 from the $205,750 allocated this year. Recreation spending will drop to $57,500 from the $91,900 set aside last year.
The planning and development budget meanwhile is up to $46,000 from $37,500.
The budget and 2024 tax structure sees the residential and commercial mil rate held at 5 and 10 mils respectively.
