A reduction in spending means no tax increases for residents in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s in 2019.
The town will spend $13.4 million in 2019, down from just over $14 million in 2018.
The town points to a general expenditure reduction, coming off a $1.3-million reduction in expenses in the 2018 budget over the 2017 budget.
The residential mill rate will remain the same at 6.5 and the commercial mill rate will stay at 8.1 for 2019.
With the mill rate staying the same and an overall decrease in property values, the town says the average tax bill will decrease. The town estimates the average annual tax bill to be $2,272 for 2019, down from $2,353 in 2018.
In an effort to bring in outstanding payments to the town, a one per cent interest on all money owing to the town will be applied at the end of each month, starting at the end of January.
There will also be a five per cent discount given to property tax paid early, including on water and sewer fees.
There will also be a 20 per cent discount on property tax for residents who receive the guaranteed income supplement for their primary residence.
Next year will see the introduction of a pilot project with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to increase police patrols in the town.
