Council for the Rural Municipality of Hanover has approved its 2024 financial plan. 

Chief Financial Officer Derek Decru says this year they will collect about $25 million in taxes between the municipality and Hanover School Division. He notes the municipal portion makes up about $11.2 million of that, representing an increase of 7.1 per cent over last year. 

Decru explains that because Hanover is made up of five communities plus the rural area, it is difficult to give a blanket statement regarding the change in mill rate for 2024. In fact, some communities will see their taxes go up, while others will see a decrease from last year.

For an average residential property assessed at $350,000, Decru says taxes will be going up by $45 in the rural area and $31 in Mitchell, but will be going down $75 in New Bothwell, $27 in Grunthal, $26 in Blumenort and $19 in Kleefeld. 

However, Decru says on top of that there will also be changes to solid waste pickup fees, ranging from $167.90 to about $215. As a result, he says most residents will probably see a small increase in taxes this year over last year. 

Decru says there are many highlights to report from their 2024 financial plan. He notes this year, for the first time, they will be setting money aside for the new wastewater treatment facility being planned for the region. 

"We've actually set aside some funds to try and help spread out the impact of those fees when they come into play," says Decru. "So, it's not going to be as much of a burden on the taxpayers when we have to finance this project, and it comes to fruition."

Other projects this year include funding the new daycare being built in Kleefeld, adding a new ice plant and Zamboni in Mitchell and renewing the splash pad in Blumenort. 

"We've also budgeted for the Community Safety Officer this year," says Decru. "So hopefully we're going to see some safer roads and safer streets in the municipality because of it."

Not one ratepayer showed up for this year's financial plan hearing, held Wednesday.

Meanwhile, though Hanover Council has now approved its budget for the year, residents still have six months before those taxes are due. Decru says tax bills will likely hit the mail sometime in June and are due on October 31st. 

Decru says the municipality offers ratepayers the opportunity to use a pre-authorized payment plan. Decru says more than 200 residents have signed up. Through this plan, the municipality takes in approximately $95,000 every month.