City tweaks W&S tax to match higher costs of providing services

By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
December 15, 2023 Edition

Mount Pearl rolled out its 2024 budget this week presenting residents with a wee increase in water fees, but no change in mil rates.
Councillor Mark Rice, who presented the $58,483,356 spending plan, said the City has been able to maintain stable levels of service despite “the hardship that is rippling through society” caused by inflation and the high cost of living.
“Like everyone, the City also faces financial strain and we had to make choices that address community needs thoughtfully and practically,” he said.
The $25 increase in water taxes, established to match inflation, is the first time the City has increased fees in this area in 14 years.
The City is offering some financial respite to homeowners who need help paying their taxes. Senior citizens receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement may be eligible for a 25 per cent discount on municipal property taxes, which is a further five per cent break from what was offered before.

Some $50,000 will be spent analyzing the P.E.A.R.L program, which helps those in need to participate in recreation programs.
Regarding recreation, some $530,000 will go towards enhancing recreation surfaces and purchasing equipment, with $300,000 of this money going towards the replacement of the existing artificial turf at the Team Gushue Soccer Field, and another $70,000 towards replacing playground equipment at the Gloria Pearson Community Centre.
An additional $80,000 will fund minor sporting groups through the Mount Pearl Sport Alliance.
Some $300,000 is earmarked to analyze transportation in the city. The City will also enhance busing to Donovan’s Business Park in an attempt to bolster employment in the area, with $150,000 going to that service.
Other spending includes $1.1 million in fleet renewal, over $300,000 in maintenance for City Hall, the Summit Centre, Gloria Pearson Community Centre, Softball Hut and Admiralty House, $450,000 to the City’s asset management contingency fund, and over $1.9 million for the City’s share of federal and provincial cost-shared capital works projects.

Development of the area north of Topsail Road, the last plot of undeveloped land in the city, will see some $700,000 spent on advisory services, and an additional $2 million water tower to service the proposed 1,800 housing units that will populate the area.
Mount Pearl’s T’Railway system will also get a bit of attention next year. Some $50,000 is going towards the illumination of certain sections of the trail, which the City says will increase safety and extend usage hours. A second trail may also be developed on the north side of the Waterford River.
Some $180,000 will go towards upgrades in the city, including accessible stages at the Reid Community Centre and Glacier, enhancements to City Hall, accessible trails, bleachers for a baseball field, and enhancements to Branscombe’s Pond Trail.
Councillor Chelsea Lane said those expenditures are a testament to fostering inclusivity, ensuring no one is left behind.
“By fostering an inclusive environment we foster the unique strengths and contributions of every individual, creating a city where everybody feels valued and respected,” she said.