The Region of Queens is expecting a budget surplus of $650,000 for the 2023/24 fiscal year, largely attributed to unfilled jobs, higher property assessments and a higher than expected take from the deed transfer tax.
Mayor Darlene Norman says the surplus isn’t all good news. She said the surplus is in large part to a high number of staff vacancies that haven’t been filled.
Queens councillors began their 2024/25 budget deliberations this week. The budget process was delayed this year. All municipalities are supposed to have their budgets approved by March 31. Norman said other municipalities in Nova Scotia have missed the March 31 deadline as well. Now that the region has filled the CAO position, she said she expects a more timely approach next year.
The proposed budget is just under $30 million, with an $8.5-million capital plan. There are no proposed tax rate increases at this time, but a final budget isn’t set yet.
