It’s an early Christmas present from staff at Corner Brook city hall. There will be no change to residential or commercial property tax rates in 2025. However, the city will be increasing the annual residential unit charge for water by $20. Councillor Charles Pender read the budget at last night’s public meeting which will be $41.9 million dollars, and represents a 6.9 percent increase over last year. However, he says the cost of the new recreation centre represents 4.5 percent of the total increase. Commercial unit charges for water will go up by $30. The budget was unanimously approved. Councillor Bill Griffin noted the hard work of city staff and Deputy Mayor Linda Chaisson says it’s always a challenge when working with money. Next year, the city will spend over $5.9 million on recreation and wellness, which is the most ever in the city’s history. As well, the city will invest $120,000 in transit, doubling the capacity of buses.