GANDER, NL – A request from the local Girl Guides organization to have its Gander property exempt from water and sewer taxes was turned down by council on Wednesday.
The non-profit organization recently received an invoice for $912.15, and according to the group, it’s the first time the youth group has received a water and sewer bill from the town.
Because of the limited amount of fundraising the organization can do, it relies on donations, cookie sales, registration and an annual cold plate fundraiser to cover its expenses.
According to a letter from the Gander Girl Guides, this barely covers operational cost.
“…to lose the amount of money you are requesting will be devastating,” the letter to council stated.
The organization already receives a tax break, according to information presented to council. Town policy dictates that non-profit organizations are exempt from property taxes, but still have to pay water and sewer.
Furthermore, a review by town staff determined that the Girl Guides is the only non-profit organization not paying a water and sewer tax.
As a result, the request for exemption was denied.
