Queens: Commercial Tax Rate Down, Residential Rate Increases

Municipal council in Queens County has approved a budget focused on growth and economic prosperity. The commercial tax rate in Liverpool has gone down by two cents to support existing businesses. Mayor Christopher Clarke says it's hoped an appealing tax rate will also attract new businesses to the area. The commercial rate is the third lowest in the province. Meanwhile, home owners will see a small hike on their tax bills. Council has approved an increase of between two and four cents in the residential tax rate. It will represent about $20 to $40 more on annual tax bills. The operating budget is $17.7-million dollars while the capital budget has been set at $1.8-million. An additional $85,000 has been allocated in continued investments in economic growth. The budget was the first since the closure of the Bowater Mersey paper mill. It represents a loss of about $500,000 in revenues for the municipality.