The business community says now is not the time to increase taxes.
The St. John’s Board of Trade was reacting to the capital city’s budget brought down Tuesday. Through a combination of higher property assessments and an increase in the mil rate, property taxes went up by between 12 and 13 per cent.
The board says higher costs are having an impact on everyone, and it’s questioning the timing of some of the spending projects. It has asked the city for more information on the about the budget process, including the analysis and decisions that were made.
CEO AnnMarie Boudreau, says another increase to the operating grant for St. John’s Sports and Entertainment also causes concern. Boudreau says the facility, which has been operating for over 20 years, should no long require a subsidy. The city grant next year will be about $6.7 million.
