DON QUIXOTE MUSINGS on THE 2007 BUDGET

(FIRST IN A SERIES )

• At the Last Council meeting the financial staff were instructed to prepare a report by October detailing the options that would occur if we adjusted the Light Industrial Tax Ratio to be equivalent to the Business Tax Ratio and The utility Tax Ratio equivalent to Kelowna's much higher Ratio. HOWEVER in the Planning Timeline report to be discussed at the COW meeting on Monday Morning shows no mention of this required report even though the 2007 First BUDGET Draft will be prepared by Oct 20. STRANGE ?
• The detailed line item budget for 2006 was suppose to be ONLINE. I remember the meeting at the Performing Arts in Feb. and Coun. Nichol wanted the last 4 years budget passed online even if it proved "embarrassing". STILL WAITING.
• In the Financial Parameters guideline for next years budget there are line items for a 3% raise for all non-union staff, Mayor and councilors with a further 2.5 % increase in years 2008-2009?