Mayor Brad Henderson is reflecting on a positive year in Saint Andrews amid an increase in new construction and the tax base, but also the challenges that come with operating a municipality.
This year’s budget was a significant point of contention, Henderson said, due to the ongoing issues of amalgamation – and the diversity of communities forged together.
“This one, again, we did get to a micro level, which is what every council should do,” he said. “But there was also some friction, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that. There were some heated debates. At times, I think it seemed almost a little bit personal, (we were) able to (reel) it back in and concentrate on what the true purpose was, and it was the budget.”
Despite the fact that Charlotte County was left out of the last round of the federal Housing Acceleration Fund, the assessment base rose by 9.9 per cent.
In the end, the council approved its budget with two dissenting votes. It lowered the property tax rate for both Saint Andrews and the two new rural areas of Bayside and Chamcook.
The town saw about a three per cent increase in new construction this year, increasing its tax base. He said that is what allowed the council to maintain and, in some cases, lower the tax rate.
Henderson explained the final tax base calculations are made by the province — council only decides what the tax rates will be.
“For the most part, existing homeowners, we did not grow the tax base on them,” he said. “We held it the same as we did last year, which is a big win for a municipality.”
However, Henderson said he feels like the municipality is not healthier or in a better place since municipal reform – something on full display during the budget process.
“I think we’re seeing that after a couple of budgets, the frustration is coming forward,” Henderson said. “And at the end of the day, no one wants to pay more in taxes. The bills are going up everywhere, whether it be NB Power, whether it be even your internet at home.”
But while paying more taxes was a point of contention, so too was a fee paid by taxpayers outside Saint Andrews proper.
“The other source of friction that I find, that is jumping out, is DTI (the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure) still manages the roads in Chamcook and Bayside,” Henderson explained.
Those residents are charged an additional 41 cents on their tax rate, which many said at a meeting held by the town was not equitable for the service they receive.
“The other thing is there’s no communication,” Henderson said. “They call town hall. Town hall rightfully says, ‘Well, the province manages them,’ but then they don’t find any way to communicate with the province to get their issues looked at.”
Henderson said he’s hopeful about the change in government, but added he needs to see progress quickly.
“I’m a big believer, personally, of my values that if you do a good job, I’ll support you. If you don’t, I’ll vote for someone else. And really, my door is open to anyone,” Henderson said.
Premier Susan Holt, according to Henderson, has made several visits to Saint Andrews, discussing several important issues including communication about transportation and infrastructure plans.
Henderson said a big commitment he is seeking for next year is doctor recruitment.
“The reality is, as a region, the amount of family doctors we have has declined significantly, and that doesn’t just limit within community walls.”
St. Stephen and Blacks Harbour have been promised a collaborative care clinic, with St. Stephen expected to have its clinic up and running within 18 months.
Nothing was slated for Saint Andrews.
“I don’t think that we are part of that plan,” Henderson explained. “However, I am excited to say that, although I can’t get into specifics of it right now, I am excited to say that I am working with Coun. Annette Harland and our wellness center to find a way in which we improve health care in Saint Andrews.”
He said he has plans to ask for another meeting with Holt in January to continue discussing priorities for 2025.
— with files from Vicki Hogarth
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