The Municipality of the County of Antigonish has approved its municipal budget for 2025/26 at $20,828,099 with no changes to the sewer, or residential and commercial tax rates.
The residential rate will remain at $0.85 per $100 of assessment – among the lowest in Nova Scotia.
The commercial rate will remain at $1.43 per $100 of assessment, with sewer rates remaining at $316.29/unit.
The interest rate is 6 per cent per annum.
Some of the highlights of the budget include an increase to the low-income property tax exemption in combined households earning less than $40,000 can receive up to $300 toward their property taxes.
There was also an increase in the tourism budget, funding to the Antigonish Arena and $50,000 to fire and rescue training.
Major expenses include contributions to education, which accounts for 24 per cent of the budget as well as protective services at 29 per cent.
As prices continue to climb, Antigonish County is experiencing more pressure on its expenses, but can still invest in the community.
Warden Nicholas MacInnis says in a news release that he is proud of the collaborative work that went into delivering their first municipal budget.
“This budget supports key community priorities – like investments in water and sewer, funding for an accessible washroom at the new Antigonish Scotiabank Mini Pitch, and increased support for tourism to boost local business. At the same time, we’re continuing to reduce debt and maintaining stable tax rates,” says MacInnis.
Tax bills will be in the mail early next week and are due on June 30, 2025.
