ARICHAT: Councillors in Richmond County have approved a balanced $17.47 million operating budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, holding tax rates steady while investing in core priorities including healthcare, housing, seniors’ programs, and resident wellbeing.
The budget was passed during a special council meeting on June 16 and reflects the municipality’s ongoing focus on financial responsibility and community investment.
“This budget represents our continued focus on people and place,” Warden Lois Landry said. “We are investing wisely today so that Richmond County remains a healthy, welcoming, and affordable place to live for years to come.”
The $17.47 million in both revenues and expenditures ensures a balanced financial approach, reinforcing council’s commitment to protecting essential services without burdening residents with higher taxes.
For the coming fiscal year, the municipality will maintain its current tax rates: a residential rate of $0.85 per $100 of assessment and a commercial rate of $2.15 per $100 of assessment.
“Council and staff worked hard to avoid a tax increase this year because we understand the real impact rising costs are having on our residents,” Warden Landry said. “Instead, we chose to focus on protecting essential services, investing in long-term sustainability, and supporting the wellbeing of our residents – especially those most vulnerable.”
Support for the Low-Income Property Tax Exemption Program has been increased, in recognition of the affordability challenges faced by many residents.
A statement from the municipality emphasized that Richmond County will continue to provide tax exemptions to community halls, non-profit organizations, and churches, alongside an expanded year-round community grants program.
“These investments reflect Richmond’s commitment to enabling grassroots leadership and volunteerism across our communities.”
Key municipal investments this year include funding for physician recruitment, the Strait Richmond Hospital Foundation, Cape Breton University’s new medical school, seniors’ safety initiatives, and infrastructure to support housing development.
Council has also earmarked funding for ongoing upgrades at the county’s waste transfer station, aimed at enhancing regulatory compliance and service delivery. This year marks a significant operational shift, as the municipality transitions to in-house curbside collection of garbage, recycling, and solid waste.
In preparation for upcoming changes related to circular materials and extended producer responsibility, Richmond County will discontinue its third-party collection contract. While the initial costs for new equipment and staffing are notable, Warden Landry emphasized the long-term financial and service benefits of the shift.
“It’s significant for taxpayers because although we have that initial expense, we believe we can get costs down in solid waste moving forward,” she said. “It gives us much better service delivery.”