Council discusses strong financial report and spring planning ahead of election
Hartland council closed out its final regular meeting of the term April 28 with a solid financial report and a pair of major contract approvals tied to the town’s waterfront, heading into the summer construction season.
Audit shows finances on the right track
“The town’s moving in the proper direction,” said auditor Maaike Brewster of Lenehan McCain & Associates, after presenting the 2025 financial statements to council.
The audit showed a $218,647 surplus and a continued drop in net debt, now sitting at roughly $1.9 million. Brewster pointed to lower liabilities and tighter financial control as the main reasons behind the improvement.
Treasurer Tina Pelkey said the town has been working to avoid large year-to-year swings.
“We’re there again this year,” Pelkey said, referring to the pattern of modest but steady surpluses.
Council also heard that a previously planned $100,000 borrowing tied to a capital project will no longer be needed, improving the town’s debt position heading into the next term.
Planning and reserves remain a priority
“We spend a lot of time talking about what’s going to disappear at the end of the year,” Pelkey said, describing how staff track adjustments that affect final numbers.
Total reserves now sit at roughly $680,000, with about $330,000 tied to restricted capital funding. The town has also started developing a more structured asset management plan, expanding beyond roads to include buildings, equipment, and long-term infrastructure planning.
Boat launch contract raises durability concerns
Council debated a $225,000 plus HST contract for upgrades to the waterfront boat launch near the Hugh John Flemming Bridge.
Director of Communications and Development Michelle Derrah said the project must stay within its current footprint due to environmental approvals, NB Power requirements, and its location next to the bridge.
With few alternatives on the table, council approved the contract, using contingency funds to cover the difference between the original estimate and the bid.
Pavilion Park work moves ahead
Council also approved a $97,826.09 plus HST contract for the first phase of landscaping at Pavilion Park, covering grading, trail work and site preparation.
CAO/Clerk Julie Stockford said the work represents the bulk of that project’s funding, with additional pieces to follow later.
Discussions focused on keeping the area usable through the summer while work is underway.
Fire department to receive wildfire equipment
The Hartland Fire Department received additional wildfire equipment, including pumps and hoses, from the provincial government.
“There’s no financial cost or obligation at this point,” said Stockford.
Fire Chief Phillip Brown reported 17 calls in March and said training continues regularly across multiple areas.
Public works shifts into spring operations
Public works has moved out of winter mode after using 313 tonnes of salt at a cost of just over $48,000.
Crews have already started patching roads across several streets, while new solar-powered crosswalk beacons near Hawthorne Street have drawn positive feedback from residents.
Recreation participation continues to grow
Participation in local recreation programs is up as the town moves into its summer schedule. Staff also reported strong turnout at registration events and continued success with community programs.
Unsightly properties remain a slow-moving issue
“We still just can’t say it’s unsightly and we’re going to burn it,” said Stockford, as council discussed complaints about abandoned and deteriorating properties.
She said the process involves legal steps, ownership checks and coordination with the province before any action can be taken.
“It now becomes our responsibility,” Pelkey added, referring to liability once the town assumes control of a property.
Next meeting
The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 9, following the swearing-in of newly elected members on May 26, pending the election certification.
