The Final Approved Budget for Hantsport for 2013-2014 is now available on the town website.  It was approved at the May 7 town council meeting.  (I needed to download Adobe Reader to access it on this laptop.)

Key priorities identified by council:
 Keep tax rates competitive
 Plan and prepare for future negative budget changes
 Maintain the best possible service levels
 Develop a long term financial plan that matches strategic planning direction
 Build on partnerships
 Enhance the engagement and communication with the citizens of Hantsport

NOTE: TOWN HALL MEETING
- TUESDAY JUNE 11 
-  HANTSPORT FIRE HALL
- 7 PM

Topics to include: the budget, changes to police protection.



Budget Section Summaries

Revenues

The revenue section of this year’s Town budget has seen a lot of change due to the closure of Minas Basin Pulp and Power, and the continued idling of Fundy Gypsum.
Residential revenue increased from $920,950 in 2012-2013 to $965,274 for the 2013-2014 fiscal year. This is due to a few new homes as well as a slight increase in assessments as presented by Property Valuation Services Corporation.
On the commercial side of tax revenue the Town is facing a reduction from $990,025 in ‘12-‘13 to $640,155, which again is mainly the result of the Minas Basin closure, and the continued reduction of Fundy Gypsum assessment.
Business occupancy has also been completely phased out in the Town of Hantsport which is a reduction of $11,800 in revenue.
Due to our severe reduction in commercial tax revenue the provincial government has increased our Town Operational Grant from $50,000 to $88,540.
Total revenues for the Town of Hantsport for the 2013-2014 fiscal year are estimated to be $2,230,286, which is a reduction of $234,698 from the previous year.

Expenditures

 General Government Services For the 2013-2014 fiscal year the budget for General Government Services will see a reduction of $43,869, or 10% from $441,456 in ’12-’13 to $397,587 in ’13-’14.
The main savings in this section of the budget come from a reduction of money dedicated to special projects ($33,000), a reduction in the cost of our yearly audit ($5,500), and in the decreased use of a financial consultant ($12,500). There are a few increases in a number of line items most of which reflect a more accurate number of expenditures from the previous years.
It is important to note that although it appears the Mayor and Council have received an increase in their honorariums, the 3% increase was actually approved in the 2012-2013 budget and was not shown accordingly.

 Protective Services For the 2013-2014 fiscal year the budget for Protective Services will see a reduction of $74,364, or just under 12% from $630,504 in ’12-’13 to $556,140 in ’13-’14. There are two main line items that have changed in this section of the budget and include RCMP Services as well as Water Supply and Hydrants. Council is looking at a reduction in the amount we pay to the RCMP, and supplementing the RCMP service with the addition of Neighbourhood Watch Programs, Citizens on Patrol, increased camera coverage, and the improved promotion of the protection provided by our camera solution. This will be a cost savings to citizens of $90,000 for this fiscal year.
Due to the Water Rate study and increases approved by the Utility and Review Board the amount the Town contributes to Water Supply and Hydrants has increased from $87,200 in ’12-’13 to $111,501 in ’13-’14.

Transportation Services For the 2013-2014 fiscal year the budget for Transportation Services will see a reduction of $84,824, or approximately 17% from $495,526 in ’12-’13 to $410,702 in ’13-’14.
The majority of savings in this category occur due to the reduction of a staff position within the Public Works Department. The number of full time employees will be reduced from five to four. To cover this position’s work load Public Works will hire for a Summer seasonal employee, and hire a casual snow plow operator as needed during the Winter. With the change in this position and associated benefits there will be a cost savings of approximately $50,000, and additional savings of $14,000 related to allocation of benefits of the Water Utility employees.

Environmental Health Services For the 2013-2014 fiscal year the budget for Environmental Health Services will remain virtually the same going from $194,285 in ’12-’13 to $194,042 in ’13-’14.
Public Health and Welfare Services In our smallest budget section of Public Health and Welfare there will be a slight increase of $2,000, or approximately 8% from $24,000 in ’12-’13 to $26,000 in ’13-’14.
This increase has to do with proper allocation of money spent by the Town for cemetery purposes.

Environmental Development Services For the 2013-2014 fiscal year the budget for Environmental Development Services will see a slight reduction of $7,757, or approximately 16% from $48,532 in ’12-’13 to $40,775 in ’13-’14.
The majority of this reduction occurs due to a reduction of $6000 in the Signage and Promotion section of the budget. There are other areas within the budget that will allow us to better promote Hantsport.
Recreation and Cultural Services For the 2013-2014 fiscal year the budget for Recreation and Cultural Services will see a slight reduction of $7,179, or approximately 5% from $150,956 in ’12-’13 to $143,417 in ’13-’14.
A number of line items have changed in this section of the budget with the major reduction occurring under Swim Expenses of $5000, and After School Programs of $2400 (which is now supported with a grant). There have been some increases including the Misc. and Ground Expenses line that has been increased to mainly reflect the use of water for the splashpad, and the Rink line has also been increased to better reflect the costs associated with maintaining the Rink building.

Fiscal Services For the 2013-2014 fiscal year the budget for Fiscal Services will see a reduction of $18,103, or approximately 4% from $479,725 in ’12-’13 to $461,622 in ’13-’14.
This reduction occurs mainly due to the fact that two vehicles will no longer be financed through a debenture. One vehicle will be bought out in the capital budget, while another will be leased to reduce payments. We have also seen a decrease in our Appropriation School Board line which reflects a reduction in our percentage of this shared service mainly due to population growth in other areas.

 Overall 2013-2014 Town Operating Budget For the 2013-2014 fiscal year the Town Operations budget will see a reduction of $234,698, or approximately 10% from $2,464,984 in ’12-’13 to $2,230,286 in ’13-’14.