The Town of Brome Lake has released the details of the 2021 budget. In comparison to the 2020 fiscal year, COVID-19 has caused minimal changes.

The town has received several government grants to help subsidize many sectors. The largest grant recipient being the transportation sector at $2 million.

The towns total revenue totaled $15.6 million. It is forecasted to total the same amount in 2021, with a large percentage of the total to come from grants.

“The residential tax rate remains unchanged for the coming year. Service rates are affected by slight upward variations of approximately one per cent at most,” stated Ghyslain Forcier, communications director for the Town of Brome Lake.

The residential rates in Brome Lake are one of the most attractive in the Eastern Townships.

“We’re taking about $400,000 and we’re giving a tax break to the commercial and industrial sectors that we feel have been hard hit due to the pandemic,” mentioned Lee Patterson, Town of Brome Lake councillor.

Due to the tax system in place, the town cannot select specific individuals and businesses to provide aid to, so as a result there will be a change in the tax rate. This manipulation of tax rate will be more advantageous for the local merchants.

The rate for commercial buildings will decrease by 33.6 per cent followed by the industrial rate decreasing by 29 per cent. The decrease is only valid for 2021.

“We expect the land owners to pass on a portion of that reduction to their tenants, we hope they will, and also those that have perhaps been fortunate during the pandemic that they will either reinvest in their business or in other efforts in the community,” explained Patterson.

Here is Lee Patterson: