If municipal spending, such as paying off a $20-million loan with $500,000 annual payments until 2045, puts undue pressure on the budget, then at least be honest and transparent enough to jack up our property taxes as high as necessary and take responsibility for your actions. It's important that taxpayers are made aware of the ramifications and penalties that come with (what I see as) lavish spending, skewed towards a select audience. This being an election year, I understand the benefit and attraction that comes with such deflections; but as a voter I would appreciate if our councillors would take the stage and say, "The decisions I made are responsible for you paying a higher percentage of tax." Those who don't agree can show their displeasure on the ballot.
I have read the two budgets, there is a number of entries that the council should be explaining before passing it. The administration has it set up that taxpayers can,t stand up at the meetings and ask a question. Take written submission only. What happened to democracy. Hopefully a number of ratepayers will be present to see who makes the motion to approve.
Would like to see the proposed budget for general and waste and water. Can,t fine them on line. As always Art good reporting. Biggest thing facing Trent Hills is the debt. The hospital needs money.
Robbing Peter to pay Paul. It is not financially sustainable.
If municipal spending, such as paying off a $20-million loan with $500,000 annual payments until 2045, puts undue pressure on the budget, then at least be honest and transparent enough to jack up our property taxes as high as necessary and take responsibility for your actions. It's important that taxpayers are made aware of the ramifications and penalties that come with (what I see as) lavish spending, skewed towards a select audience. This being an election year, I understand the benefit and attraction that comes with such deflections; but as a voter I would appreciate if our councillors would take the stage and say, "The decisions I made are responsible for you paying a higher percentage of tax." Those who don't agree can show their displeasure on the ballot.
It seems like no level of government really wants to do whatnit should, so we just keep slowly decaying as a society.
I have read the two budgets, there is a number of entries that the council should be explaining before passing it. The administration has it set up that taxpayers can,t stand up at the meetings and ask a question. Take written submission only. What happened to democracy. Hopefully a number of ratepayers will be present to see who makes the motion to approve.
Would like to see the proposed budget for general and waste and water. Can,t fine them on line. As always Art good reporting. Biggest thing facing Trent Hills is the debt. The hospital needs money.