City of Vernon taxpayers may be spared a tax hike next year. At least that's the plan several politicians are working towards as the financial discussions get underway. Mayor Wayne Lippert says council has passed a motion requesting staff to plan in that direction. "Council recognizes that the economy may be coming back,but businesses and people are still having a tough time, and need a little extra time to recover." Lippert says council could 'hold the line' and still proceed with some much needed capital projects.
Councillor Jack Gilroy
(pictured) says a zero increase is perhaps needed more than ever. "This is probably the worst year I've seen. We've had two years that have been really bad, but this is really affecting the businesses and the public starting in 2011. If we can help in any way, I think we should do it." Councillor Shawn Lee supports a zero budget but expects things will come up that may require a slight increase. Councillor Buffy Baumbrough says holding the line on the budget should not come at the expense of commitments to the official community plan, such as expanding alternate forms of transportation like bus service. Several council members started last year's budget process wanting a zero budget but eventually approved a 1.9 percent tax hike, translating to an extra $20 for the average homeowner.
Councillor Jack Gilroy (pictured) says a zero increase is perhaps needed more than ever. "This is probably the worst year I've seen. We've had two years that have been really bad, but this is really affecting the businesses and the public starting in 2011. If we can help in any way, I think we should do it." Councillor Shawn Lee supports a zero budget but expects things will come up that may require a slight increase. Councillor Buffy Baumbrough says holding the line on the budget should not come at the expense of commitments to the official community plan, such as expanding alternate forms of transportation like bus service. Several council members started last year's budget process wanting a zero budget but eventually approved a 1.9 percent tax hike, translating to an extra $20 for the average homeowner.
2 comments:
Where is the evidence that the economy "may" be coming back?
The Globe and Mail featured a selection of Douglas Copeland's projections for our future. It is not light reading.
The community plan must be protected. Transportation, housing etc directly enhance the quality of life for residents. This is a valid use of tax dollars.
Therefore, costs will need to be curtailed elsewhere. Is city hall top-heavy with staff? They are certainly richly compensated when contrasted with wages in both the private sector and provincial public sector.
The argument that wages must be high enough to attract qualified people doesn't wash given the number of highly educated people who call this region home but must commute to earn a wage that can support a family. Vernon is not a hard-ship post.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/a-radical-pessimists-guide-to-the-next-10-years/article1750609/singlepage/#articlecontent
What stupid comments from the politicians-they should be talking about a decrease and laying of some of the excess employees-they just don't get it.
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