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For Immediate Release: March 23, 2023
At a special council meeting held yesterday, Stratford Town Council passed
resolutions to adopt the 2023/24 Town operating and capital budgets, and the 2023/24
Stratford Utility operating and capital budgets. The budgets are balanced
without tax increases, and only a modest increase to the base rates in the Stratford
Utility budget for the upcoming year. The Town’s operational budget has a surplus
of just $300.
“While there are no tax increases for
the coming budget year,” said Councillor Ron Dowling, Chair of
the Finance and Technology Committee, “our ability to maintain, and particularly to
expand or offer additional services, programming and infrastructure, is
limited. The current council remains committed to being fiscally responsible
with your tax dollars while also balancing the needs of our community.”
The Town
of Stratford continues to be stretched financially as the growth the Town is
experiencing places significant pressure on existing revenues. Growth does not
equate to an increase in revenue at an equal rate and places strains on budgets.
Negotiations with the Province of PEI following the election are paramount for
all Island municipalities to receive a new long-term revenue sharing agreement
that is predictable, stable, and fair.
“We are
pleased to see the topic of municipal revenue sharing agreement negotiations
being raised during the current provincial election period,” said Steve Ogden,
Mayor of the Town of Stratford. “The Federation of PEI Municipalities have
released an election priorities document and we also included this as a
question to candidates in our two districts, many of which have responded and
their responses are now available on the Town’s website for residents to
review. This is something that needs to be a priority with whomever gets into
office, not only for ourselves but for all Island municipalities.”
The 2023/24
budget includes investment in the Community Campus and Michael Thomas
Waterfront Park. The first phase of work at the Community Campus site is
currently out for tender and the Michael Thomas Waterfront Park will see
installation of a boardwalk this season.
“There are a great many things to be proud of and to celebrate about,
and in, our community,” added Councillor Dowling. “Our community is special, and though it is growing and
ever-changing, finding the right balance remains our commitment. We are always
listening and looking out for the best interests of both our current and future
residents.”
Some of the following additional highlights were
presented by Councillor Dowling
during the special council meeting:
• Restoration and rehabilitation work to be completed of the Pondside Watershed
• Reporting on the progress made in the Town’s Community Energy Plan and setting of new targets
• Staff resource investments to include continuation of a 36 week position in the Planning Department for a Planning and Development Technician, a full time planner position to work under our existing planner for succession planning, and a 50% position for administrative support
• Expansion of transit system
• Construction of an active transportation paved multi-use path on Kinlock Road from JK Beauty Lane to the TCH
• Solar panel installation at Stratford Emergency Services Centre (subject to funding)
• Purchase of a new electric vehicle to add to the Town’s fleet
• Implementation of additional supports identified in the first annual business survey and other consultations
• Expansion of the parking lot at Cotton Park
• Additional operational support for the Stratford Youth Centre
“I would like to thank our great residents,” added
Councillor Dowling. “Your trust in us to make the right decisions, no matter
how tough, on your behalf is not something we take for granted. You should be
proud of the work undertaken in this budget, and in our wonderful community.”
A summary document, as well as the full budget details
and meeting recording, are available on the Town of Stratford’s website at www.townofstratford.ca.
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For more information please contact:
Wendy
Watts, Community & Business Engagement Manager
Phone: (902) 569-1995
Email: [email protected]
2023/24 Budget Highlights: Budget Document 2023 FINAL
Agenda: March 22, 2023
Recording: March 22, 2023
Printable version (media release): Media Release - Stratford Approves 2023-24 Budget (March 23, 2023)