Town to tap taxpayers for extra water charge

The largest town in Newfoundland and Labrador is freezing its property tax rates, although residents will be forking out more for their water supply.

Conception Bay South, a suburban town of 22,000 residents, has tabled a budget for 2008 of about $20 million.

Property and business taxes will remain the same.

However, the town will be increasing its water fee by $25 per unit. The town said the charge is necessary because of the increased cost of purchasing water from the St. John's Regional Water Authority.

The City of St. John's last week made similar decisions for its upcoming budget, with the water fee the only levy scheduled to rise in 2008.