No tax-rate increases this year for the Town of Yarmouth.

Council passed the budget with a residential rate of $1.69 per $100 of assessment, and a commercial rate of $4.31.

Mayor Pam Mood says the town will be completely debt free next month.

“That is nearly unheard of at the municipal level, we’re very proud of that fact. It provides us with the ability to dream bigger and implement more that will bring quality of life to our residents, and support our businesses,” said Mood.

The budget features a small surplus of $15,000, with revenues over $20 million.

Mood said it’s not easy to balance the books.

“We have to make tough decisions at the council table and figure out what’s important. If we’re feeling it, then residents are certainly feeling it. We just have to find that happy medium.”

She says as property values go up, even with the same tax rate, the bills may be higher.

The $4.6 million capital plan will focus on sewer separation on Vancouver Street, Mariners Centre expansion and more.