By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Stanstead’s Dec. 9 monthly council meeting, presided over by Mayor Jody Stone and attended by eight residents, centered on the unveiling of the 2025 municipal budget and updates on pressing local matters. Key issues included the budget’s implications for residents, rising Sûreté du Québec (SQ) policing costs, and community infrastructure projects.
Budget focus: Balancing tax rates amid increased property values
The new 2025 budget reflects a significant shift in property values following the release of updated evaluations. Residential properties saw an average increase of 44.7 per cent in value, while commercial and industrial properties rose by 30 per cent. To counterbalance this and prevent substantial hikes in tax bills, the council reduced the tax rates.
“The general and agricultural property tax rate, which was previously set at 75.5 cents per $100 of evaluation, has been lowered to 54.4 cents,” explained General Director Hughes Ménard. Commercial and industrial tax rates have also decreased to 84 cents and 95 cents, respectively.
The council emphasized that the adjustments were designed to maintain fairness. “Our goal was to ensure the burden on taxpayers remains manageable while meeting the needs of the town,” said Stone. The decrease in tax rates reflects the council’s proactive response to the surge in property values, an issue that could have resulted in disproportionate tax increases if left unchecked.
The special economic development tax, however, remains fixed at its current rate. This tax supports key projects outlined in the town’s triennial capital investment plan. For 2025, the projected increase of $14,500 in economic development revenue will fund initiatives such as new business incentives and infrastructure enhancements aimed at boosting local commerce.
The budget also outlines strategic funding allocations for infrastructure, including the ongoing maintenance of critical water wells and planned upgrades for Phelps Street. According to council members, these projects will enhance the town’s capacity to accommodate growth and improve service delivery. “These investments in infrastructure are not just about maintaining what we have,” said Stone. “They’re about positioning Stanstead for future opportunities.”
Breaking down the SQ tax rate
A significant point of discussion was the policing costs associated with the SQ. These costs, which represent a 5 per cent increase from the previous year, prompted questions from The Record during the meeting. Despite the increase in service costs, the property tax rate for SQ services has been reduced to 6.17 cents per $100, down from 9.08 cents in 2024. The reduction was made possible by higher overall property valuations spreading the cost across a broader base.
Mayor Stone reassured attendees that the town’s commitment to public safety remains steadfast. “We’re taking steps to ensure the SQ continues to deliver reliable service without overburdening our residents,” he explained. The council also hinted at exploring potential cost-sharing models with nearby towns to further mitigate rising expenses.
