2021 Annual Report
Table of contents Message from the Mayor
3
Legislative Authority Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council Vision | Mission | Mandate | Values
4 5 6
Council Meetings
7
Council Committees and Liaisons
9
Council Renumeration Community Profile Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Amenities
10 11 15
General Operating Budget Organization Community and Regional Relations Municipal Services / General Government Policing
17 18 20 22 23
Animal Control Services Emergency Measures Services Fire-Rescue Services
23 23 24
Environmental Development Services Environmental Health Services
24 25
Recreation and Cultural Services Transportation Services Fiscal Services Sewerage Utilities / Sewerage Fiscal Services Appendices
25 26 27 28 30
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Message from Mayor
On behalf of Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council, I am pleased to present the 2021 Annual Report. This Report provides a financial overview of the Town for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. This information represents Council’s commitment of transparency and accountability to our citizens. On June 7, 2021, a new Council was sworn in. Your Council has been working hard and will continue to ensure Grand Bay-Westfield is always moving towards our vision of A
welcoming place to live, grow and thrive.
In July of 2021, Council approved a Strategic Plan as a roadmap to a vibrant future as Neighbours by Nature. This Plan includes the following key aspects of Council. Mission: Facilitating growth, wellness and prosperity through effective and forwardthinking leadership. Mandate: Facilitating balanced growth by encouraging population growth, enhancing our organizational capacity, establishing proactive infrastructure sustainability processes, furthering climate change adaptation work, and prioritizing community vitality. Values: Honesty, transparency, teamwork, courage, trust, openness, justice, understanding and inclusion. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield remains committed to the health and safety of its staff and residents, while ensuring Town operations and services continue. I would like to extend appreciation to the staff for their daily commitment and dedication to delivering services and initiatives, to align with Council’s vision. I encourage you to visit the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield website at www.grandbaywestfield.ca with complete details regarding Town news, services and information. Thank you, for taking the time to review our Annual Report. Mayor Brittany Merrifield
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Legislative Authority Municipal Annual Reports are prepared pursuant to Section 105 of the Local Governance Act, and Regulation 2018-54. This Report contains general information about the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield such as its population, tax base, tax rate, and user charges, as well as detailed information regarding Town Council, the provision of grants, and the types and cost of services provided. The 2021 Audited Financial Statements are appended.
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Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council is composed of:
Mayor Brittany Merrifield
Deputy Mayor Erin M. Toole
Councillor Jim Balcomb
Councillor John Balemans
Councillor Beverley Day
Councillor Stephanie McIntosh Lawrence
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Vision A welcoming place to live, grow and thrive.
Mission Facilitating growth, wellness, and prosperity through effective and forward-thinking leadership.
Mandate Facilitating balanced growth by encouraging population growth, enhancing our organizational capacity, establishing proactive infrastructure sustainability processes, furthering climate change adaptation work, and prioritizing community vitality.
Values Honesty | Transparency | Teamwork | Courage | Trust | Openness | Justice | Understanding | Inclusion
Council Meetings Meetings of Council are held on the second and fourth Monday of the month. Council may schedule special and emergency meetings as required. Likewise, they may cancel meetings. Council held twenty-five (25) meetings in 2021 with the details of attendance, and type of meeting (regular, electronic participation, special, cancelled etc…) detailed in the chart below. Minutes of Council meetings may be located on the Town’s website at www.grandbaywestfield.ca or by visiting the Town Office located at 609 River Valley Drive, during Office hours.
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Council Attendance for 2021 Council Meetings Date
Losier
Likely
Balemans
Day
Evans
Snodgrass
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
March 22
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
April 12
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
YES
April 26 ELECTRONIC May 7 SPECIAL
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
May 25
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NO
Total
8
9
9
7
7
8
Date
Merrifield
Toole
Balcomb
Balemans
Day
McIntosh Lawrence
June 7 SPECIAL
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
June 14
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
June 28
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
July 12
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
July 26
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
August 9
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
August 23 CANCELLED
-
-
-
-
-
-
September 13
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
January 11 ELECTRONIC January 25 ELECTRONIC February 8 ELECTRONIC February 22 ELECTRONIC
7
Merrifield
Toole
Balcomb
Balemans
Day
McIntosh Lawrence
September 27
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
October 12
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
October 13 SPECIAL
NO
YES
YES
YES
NO
YES
October 25
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
November 4 SPECIAL
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
November 8
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
November 16 SPECIAL
YES
YES
YES
NO
YES
YES
November 22
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
December 13
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
TOTAL
15
16
16
15
15
16
Date
8
Council Committees and Liaisons Committees and Liaisons are grouped according to Council’s Strategic Priorities. Councillor Liaisons are appointed on the request of a community Committee and at the discretion of Council. The Mayor and Council may also be appointed to Committees that are legislatively mandated. Council Committees and Liaisons
Population Growth to Achieve Fiscal Sustainability The purpose of the Population Growth to Achieve Financial Sustainability Committee is to support Council’s strategic plan by ensuring the Town’s financial sustainability through population growth. Chair: Councillor Jim Balcomb Deputy Chair: Councillor John Balemans Age-Friendly Committee: Councillor Beverley Day Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency: CAO Greater Saint John Regional Facilities Commission: Deputy Mayor Erin M. Toole, Councillor Stephanie McIntosh Lawrence Canada Games Aquatic Centre: Community member appointed by Council Imperial Theatre: Community member appointed by Council TD Station: Community member appointed by Council Saint John Trade and Convention Centre: Community member appointed by Council
Organizational Capacity The purpose of the Organizational Capacity Committee is to support Council’s strategic plan by ensuring the Town has the processes and human resource capacity to achieve Council’s goals. Chair: Deputy Mayor Erin M. Toole Deputy Chair: Councillor Beverley Day Emergency Management Committee: Council Municipal Advisory Corporation Committee: Deputy Mayor Erin M. Toole New Brunswick Municipal Employees Pension Plan: Councillor Jim Balcomb Planning Advisory Committee: Councillor Jim Balcomb
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Infrastructure Sustainability and Climate Adaptation The purpose of the Infrastructure Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Committee is to support Council’s strategic plan by ensuring the legacy of the Town’s infrastructure is in good condition, financially sustainable, and is adaptable for a changing climate. Chair: Councillor Beverley Day Deputy Chair: Councillor John Balemans Fundy Regional Service Commission: Mayor Brittany Merrifield
Community Vitality The purpose of the Community Vitality Committee is to support Council’s strategic plan by ensuring the Town’s quality of life has opportunities for current and future residents. Chair: Councillor Stephanie McIntosh Lawrence Deputy Chair: Councillor Beverley Day P.R.O. Kids: Councillor John Balemans River Valley Community Center: Councillor Stephanie McIntosh Lawrence River Valley Seniors: Councillor John Balemans
At Large To provide active support to all Strategic Priorities through assisting the Chairs; Communicate Council’s intent and receive feedback, liaison with stakeholder groups as needed, and provide support to event planning committees. Councillor At Large: Councillor John Balemans
Council Renumeration Section 49 of the Local Governance Act states that local governments can provide a remuneration and allowances to Mayors and Councillors. Remuneration, per diems, and expenses for travelling on local government business outside of Grand Bay-Westfield are authorized in #By-law No. 104 Remuneration of Mayor and Council. Per the Council Bylaw No. 104 Renumeration of Mayor and Council, members were compensated per the table below. Annual increases are provided based on the Consumer Price Index of the previous budget year. Expenses are based on receipts for meals, parking, accommodations whereas mileage is a fixed $0.41/km.
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Remuneration and Per Diems
Expenses
Total
Mayor Losier
$12,147
$266
$12,413
Deputy Mayor Likely
$6,408
$0
$6,408
Councillor Balemans
$5,567
$0
$5,567
Councillor Day
$5,567
$0
$5,567
Councillor Evans
$5,567
$0
$5,567
Councillor Snodgrass
$5,567
$0
$5,567
Total
$40,821
$266
$41,087
Remuneration and Per Diems
Expenses
Total
Mayor Merrifield
$17,147
$2,109
$19,256
Deputy Mayor Toole
$9,151
$0
$9,151
Councillor Balcomb
$7,949
$169
$8,118
Councillor Balemans
$7,949
$275
$8,224
Councillor Day
$7,949
$0
$7,949
Councillor McIntosh Lawrence
$7,949
$118
$8,067
Total
$58,095
$2,671
$60,766
Elected Official
Elected Official
Community Profile The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield, incorporated in 1998, is comprised of the former Town of Grand Bay and the former Village of Westfield. Grand Bay-Westfield is located in southwestern New Brunswick along the River Valley Scenic Drive running alongside the St. John River, one of the provincially designated scenic routes, and is home to a community of 4,967 residents according to the 2021 Census.
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As the gateway to the Lower St. John River Valley area, Grand Bay-Westfield partners with four other communities to promote the Lower River Passage between Oromocto and Hampton. The Town acts as a service centre to several surrounding small and rural communities. Grand Bay-Westfield is a contributor to projects which are a result of regional cooperation such as the Imperial Theatre, TD Station, the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre, the Saint John Arts Centre, Envision Saint John, and the Canada Games Aquatic Centre which are all in close proximity to the community. Population Over Time
5150 5100 5050 5000 4950 4900 4850 2001
2006
2011
12
2016
2021
Dwelling Count Over Time
2050 2000 1950 1900 1850 1800 1750 2001
2006
2011
2016
2021
2016
2021
Demographics Over Time
% of Population
100 80 60 40 20 0 2001
2006
0 to 14 years
2011 Year 15 to 64 years
65 years and over
The Town’s population has not grown significantly despite the increase in development. Of concern is the increased population of 65 years of age and over, with both the Labour Force and 14 years of age and younger shrinking. The median age of the population has increased from 38.4 in 2001 to 45.2 in 2021.
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Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Boundaries
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield is 59.78km2 with a population density of 83 people per km2. Contrary to the map. The Town’s boundary does not extend into the river at any point, the Town’s boundary is the river’s shore.
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Town Amenities
Westfield Landing Public Beach
River Valley Community Center Arena
Westfield Golf & Country Club
Brundage Point River Centre
Blueberry Hill Nature Preserve
Big Paw Little Paw Dog Park
15
.
TailWhip Park
Splash Pad
Tennis/Pickleball Courts
Baseball Fields
Soccer Fields
Unity Park
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General Operating Budget PROPERTY TAX RATES Assessment Base
$435,513,300
Town Owner Occupied Tax Rate
$1.37/$100 of assessment
Town Commercial Property Tax Rate
$2.055/$100 of valuation
Provincial Residential Property Tax Rate
$1.1233/$100 of valuation
Provincial Commercial Property Tax Rate
$2.1860/$100 of valuation
Town/ Prov. non-home Occupied Tax Rate
$2.493/$100 of valuation
Town/Prov. Commercial Property Tax Rate
$4.222/$100 of valuation
Provincial Property Tax Administrative Fee
$0.0194/$100 of valuation
Revenue The Town’s revenue in 2021 totaled $6,720,007 with property tax comprising the largest single revenue stream. Noted that approximately 98% of property tax revenue is derived from residential property taxes. The Community Funding Grant has been falling. Revenue by Source Surplus , Other Funding, 2nd $302,911 Prev. Yr., Community $136,534 Funding Grant, $615,207
Fire - LSD, Services, $174,408 $89,260
Property Tax, $5,401,687
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Expenses The approved operating budget in 2021 was $6,316,812. Actual expenditures for 2021 totaled $6,548,109. Due to supplementary revenues, the surplus for the year was $171,898. Expenses by Department Environmental Health, Fiscal, $1,048 $1,613,359
General Government, $986,079 Protective, $1,475,783
Transportation , $1,610,535
Environmental Recreation and Cultural, Development, $467,838 $259,872
Economic Development, $133,595
Organization The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield is served by a CAO, and five department heads including the Fire Chief/Deputy CAO, Chief Financial Officer, Development Officer, Recreation Director and Works Commissioner. The Department Heads provide leadership over Administrative Services, Communications, Environmental Development, Protective Services, Public Works, Recreation and Cultural Services, and Wastewater Services. To sustain the ongoing operations, the Town requires sixteen full-time employees along with three (3) seasonal staff in the Works Department who are employed between April and December, two (2) casual staff in the Recreation Department, and four (4) summer seasonal staff at the Brundage Point River Centre.
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Town of Grand Bay-Westfield Organizational Chart
Mayor & Council
CAO
Administrative Assistant
Works Commissioner
Superintendent of Public Works
3 Full-Time
Recreation Director
River Centre Coordinator
4 Seasonal
Fire Chief/ Deputy CAO
Development Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Deputy Chief/Equipment Officer
Assistant Clerk
Training Officer
Confidential Secretary
3 Seasonal
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Community and Regional Relations
Collaborating with its regional neighbours, the Town contributes to the ongoing operations of a number of agencies, boards and commissions.
REGIONAL AGENCIES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS CONTRIBUTIONS Regional Agency/Board/Commission
Contribution
Canada Games Aquatic Centre
$27,951
Envision Saint John
$36,000
Fundy Regional Service Commission
$1,847
Imperial Theatre
$18,105
Saint John Arts Centre
$8,297
Saint John Field House
$2,000
Saint John Trade and Convention Centre
$30,582
TD Station
$28,123
Total
$152,905
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Grants Social and Environmental Purposes An important part of the Town’s purpose is to foster the economic, social and environmental well-being of the community. The following grants were provided:
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC GRANTS Group
Contribution
Graduation Banners
$1,520
Local Student at New Brunswick Community College
$500
Local Student at University of New Brunswick
$500
MADD
$1,000
River Valley Coins
$600
River Valley Community Centre Operating Grant
$128,800
Westfield Golf & Country Club
$4,500
Total
$137,420
Economic Development Activities and Grants The primary contribution for economic development was to promote workforce development, business investment, entrepreneur development and economic development.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AND GRANTS Activity
Contribution
Envision Saint John
$36,000
Total
$36,000
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Municipal Services General Government A variety of expenditures are captured within the General Government category totaling $986,079. Expenses covered includes salaries and benefits for Mayor and Council and Council Contingency Fund, Town Administration, Town CAO, Information Technology, Association dues, insurance, assessment costs, miscellaneous grants, audit and solicitor fees, building costs and training.
Protective Services P rotective Services Expenditure by Category
Other Protective Services, $31,915
Policing, $734,841 Fire, $709,028
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Policing Policing services are provided by the RCMP under contract. The detachment office is located at 21 Chestnut Drive, Grand Bay-Westfield. The RCMP provide the following services: •
Outside detachment emergency phone Police certificate Report a crime Vulnerable sector check
• Criminal record checks • • Fingerprints • • General information • • Non-emergency complaints The Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP Detachment process criminal record checks each Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Animal Control Services Animal control services are provided on a contract basis. The Town’s Big Paw Little Paw Dog Park is located at 319 Highland Road offering a one acre fenced facility for dog owners to enjoy.
Emergency Measures Services Emergency Measures Services are provided by the Town Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) comprised of the Fire Chief as the Director of EMO as well as 13 members including volunteers and staff. EMO meets regularly, undertakes appropriate training to responsibly service the community and activates the Town Emergency Operations Centre as deemed advisable. The Emergency Operations Centre is located at 609 River Valley Drive and is equipped for training and emergency operations.
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Fire-Rescue Services Fire-Rescue Services are provided by the Grand Bay-Westfield Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department. Facilities are at 609 River Valley Drive (Station 1), 493 Nerepis Road (Station 2), and 319 Highland Road (Training Facility). Fire-Rescue provides fire prevention, suppression, investigation and non-fire related rescue services to the Town, and the Local Service District (LSD) of Westfield West, through the services of 45 volunteer firefighters, a full-time Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief and Training Officer. Grand Bay-Westfield Fire-Rescue has a fleet of nine (9) vehicles including: 3 fire pumpers; 1 fire tanker; 1 rescue; 3 command / utility units; and 1 rescue trailer with of road rescue unit. The cost of the service is shared across the service area on a proportional basis using the Town and Local Service District (LSD) tax bases.
Environmental Development Services The Environmental Development Services 2021 expenditures, $259,872, is composed of a variety of services including: ranging from land use planning to tourism to beautification.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES EXPENDITURES Category
Amount
Community Planning and Development
$203,099
Beautification and Tourism Promotion
$44,808
Miscellaneous Services
$11,965
Total
$259,872
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The Planning Department examines building plans, issues building permits and reviews building activity. Category
Amount
Building Permits
73
Permit Fees
$41,585
New Lots via Subdivision
7
PAC Meetings
11
PAC Applications
18
Environmental Health Services The budget allocation of $1,048 is due to the property tax the Town pays for the brownfield site of the decommissioned landfill. Access to environmental health services is located at the Fundy Regional Service Commission at the Crane Mountain Landfill located at 10 Crane Mountain Road on a user pay basis.
Recreation and Cultural Services Recreation and Cultural services are delivered through the Recreation Department’s Recreation Director. 2021 expenditures were $601,433.
RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES EXPENSES Category
Amount
Cultural Activities
$133,595
Recreation Activities and Facilities
$220,561
Recreation Administration
$118,467
River Valley Community Center
$128,800
Total
$601,433
GRANTS RECEIVED Grants
Amount
SEED Grant Program
$8,227
Federal Summer Career Program
$7,401
Total
$15,628
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Transportation Services Total budgeted expenditures for Transportation Services was $1,610,535. • • • • • • • •
Transportation Services are provided by the Town Works Department which incurs expenditures related to public works administration and engineering. There are 65.8 kms of roads in the Town, consisting of provincial and municipal roads. The Town is responsible for a portion of capital and 100% of maintenance costs for the 15.3 kms of Provincially Designated Highways which includes River Valley Drive/Nerepis Road and Ferry Road. Provincial designated roads are partially funded through Summer and Winter Maintenance agreements with the Province of New Brunswick. Capital improvements to River Valley Drive and Nerepis Road are cost shared with the Province of New Brunswick as they are classified as designated highways. Snow and ice control and major road improvement projects are provided on a contract basis by means of public tender. The Town Works Department fleet is comprised of a trackless MT, a backhoe, dump truck, an asphalt roller, a 1 ton truck, 3 light trucks and trailers. Capital highlights test well drilling as part of the potential of relocating the Works Garage.
Transportation Services 2021 Expenditures Category
Expenses
Administration and Engineering
$533,453
Equipment
$85,833
Maintenance: Roads, Streets, Traffic Services
$261,756
Street lighting
$109,712
Building costs
$40,263
Snow and Ice Control
$529,904
Street signs, culverts, public transit, railway crossings
$49,614
Total
$1,610,535
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Fiscal Services Costs for interest on short and long-term loans, principal repayment of long-term debt, and transfers to reserve funds for future expenditures and capital expenditures totaled $1,613,359. Items included: Major projects in 2021 included road and street improvements, TMR radios, Brundage Point River Centre doors and flooring, Well testing, Solar Array Pilot Program, Cascade project tracking platform, and Council Chambers upgrades.
Fiscal Activity Category
Expenses
Principal Repayments
$258,919
Interest Payments
$69,694
Bank Service Charges and Other
$4,056
Capital Expenditure out of revenue
$655,690
Transfer to Reserves
$625,000 $1,613,359
General Fund Debt Purpose
Start Year
Amount Owing
Term
Maturity
Transportation Services
2020
$100,000
5 Years
2025
Protective Service: Fire Truck
2020
$394,000
15 Years
2035
Recreation: Splash Pad
2018
$289,000
15 Years
2033
Protective Service: Fire Truck
2014
$241,000
15 Years
2029
Transportation Services
2013
$312,000 (Col. Nase Blvd)
15 Years
2028
Buildings
2012
$555,894
15 Years
2026
Recreation, Protective Services, Transportation Services
2012
$171,000
10 Years
2027
Total
$2,062,894
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Sewerage Utilities Administered and maintained through the Works Department, the sewerage system provides wastewater services to 1,753 properties. The total budgeted expenditures was $510,950. Actual expenditures were $485,512 resulting in a surplus of $33,603 for 2021 Consisting of 35.15 km of piping, three lift stations and a 1.15-hectare lagoon, the system complies with provincial and federal regulations.
2021 Operating Expenditures Category
Expenses
Administration and Labour
$184,983
Maintenance Total
$142,308 $327,291
Per By-law No. 2 the utility is funded by user fees. The total amount of user fees collected was $508,356 with arrears totaling $12,862.
Sewerage Fiscal Services Total expenditures of $158,221 covered costs for interest on short- and long-term loads, principal repayment of long-term debt and transfers to reserves for future expenditures.
2021 Fiscal Expenditures Category
Expenses
Principal Repayments
$102,000
Interest Payments
$31,221
Transfer to Reserve
$25,000
Total
$158,221
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Wastewater Fund Debt Purpose
Start Year
Amount Owing
Environmental Health Services
2021
$397,000
15 Years
2036
Environmental Health Services
2021
$214,000
15 Years
2036
Environmental Health Services
2019
$148,000
15 Years
2034
Environmental Health Services
2017
$358,000
10 Years
2027
Environmental Health Services
2012
$90,000
15 Years
2027
Total Outstanding December 31, 2021
$1,207,000
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Term
Maturity
Appendices Consolidated and Non-Consolidated Financial Statements
30