When it comes to its operating budget, what is old is new again for the Town of Gander.

The residents of Gander will see no changes in their taxes in 2021.

At the presentation of the town’s budget on Monday, Coun. Gina Brown, chair of the finance committee, announced the town’s mill rate would be set at 7.3.

That rate is the same as the rate in 2020. Likewise, the commercial/business property mill rate will remain at 7.15.

“The challenges of 2020 were unprecedented for our community as residents and businesses struggled with normalcy during the pandemic and worries of health, well-being and economic survival caused extensive hardship,” Brown said in a prepared statement. “Our council recognized the need to reduce the further financial impact on taxpayers by limiting new expenditures, maintaining much-needed services and ensuring strategic investments for future growth.”

When it comes to the town’s operating budget, there was a slight increase for 2021. It was approved that Gander would operate with a budget of $18.9 million.

That number is up slightly from the $18.6 million in the town’s budget for 2020. The difference between this year and last is just $321,386.

“This is due primarily to increases in the payroll, benefits and debt charges,” said Brown, reading from a prepared budget statement. “Allowances have also been made for new expenses associated with operating under pandemic conditions.”

The town noted new spending can be mostly attributed to an initiative aimed at mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic and the planned usage of $75,000 toward specials events, such as the 20-year commemoration of 9-11 and preparations for the 2022 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games.

Gander expects a drop of revenue in the range of $400,000 for 2021, in part due to the reduced commitments from the Gander International Airport Authority and NAV Canada — whose tax agreements are based on air traffic — as well as lower property assessment values in 2021.

“It’s a challenging process,” said Mayor Percy Farwell. “Probably the biggest thing your council does in a given year.”

During the budget presentation, the town pledged to make recreation and the growth of the economy a goal in 2021.

The town will funnel $2.2 million toward a soccer and track and field facility, which is estimated to cost $6.6 million. The remaining portion of that tab will be picked up by the provincial and federal governments.

There is also $30,000 earmarked to improve the seniors and family play park located next to the tennis courts.

In 2021, the town hopes to begin the first phase of the expansion of its business park. To that end, Gander will use $1.2 million to start the construction of a road that would connect Dickins Street to Memorial Drive East.

That would open up additional commercial properties for the park.

Also included in the budget is $666,000 for a new pumper truck for Gander Fire Rescue.

The town is also placing a priority on adopting a formal debt-management strategy in 2021 that would help the town reduce its long-term debt while helping its high standard of service.

“Our community will continue to move forward as a progressive community, and regional service centre, with quality infrastructure,” said Brown.

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