Cornwall passes 2016 budget with no tax increases for residents

Property taxes and utility rates will remain the same after Cornwall, P.E.I. passed its 2016 budget at a council meeting on Wednesday night.

The fees for planning and parks and recreation will not increase and the town will absorb the half cent increase for the fire rate.

Finance committee chair Elaine Barnes says the town is able to do that because of planning.

"We're trying to be fiscally responsible and we're trying not to pass it on to the residents, that's the last resort," said Barnes.

"Fortunately, this year we were able to do that without passing it on. Next year it's hard to say, if fire dues go up another half a cent next year, with any luck, I'm confident that we can do it without passing it on to residents."

The town doesn't have any major capital projects planned. Council has decided to wait for the results of a 2016 infrastructure and servicing plan before making a commitment to any project.

Cornwall's council is looking to make upgrades to the wastewater plant, and replacement of one of the Meadowbank wells.

Other future capital project plans include upgrades to the water system on the Trans Canada Highway and connections of homes in both the Madison Heights subdivision and on Mercedes Drive.

There town is also looking to replace sidewalks on the Meadowbank Road and install sidewalks on Ferry Road.

Barnes reported council refinanced the loan on the town hall. The refinancing means it will be paid back five years earlier than previously planned. That will save the town approximately $150,000.