Editor, The News:
Re: Zero tax increase ‘unpalatable’ (The News, 1 Nov. 2013)
I’m writing in response to a very disturbing account of spending, remuneration, the hiring of more staff and wage increases received by mayor, council and senior staff in the City of Pitt Meadows over the past five years and this is just touching the surface.
As a senior, I have not seen increases in my pension for many year and when I have received a pittance, it goes towards the tax increases yearly. This is my case. How do young familiars manage this increase each year is beyond comprehension?
Mr. Mark Roberts, finance director for the city, in my opinion, is missing the point when he says “the proposed preliminary tax increase of 3.3 per cent would mean an additional $56 to the average homeowner in Pitt Meadows.” He is making this sound like it’s peanuts, but in checking my personal taxes over the part years and taking into consideration the drop in the B.C. Assessment last year, we’re really looking at over $200 per household, if assessment peaks this year, as expected.
To my fellow taxpayers in Pitt Meadows, check your tax bills!
In the article in The News (1 Nov. 2013), we are being hit by the constant line that the only way to present a zero per cent increase is to cut essential services, road maintenance etc. In other words, all the necessary things we need.
Tom Murray, who is spearheading the tax petition, says this has never been considered and believes that if mayor and council would simply cut all the wage increases for council and upper management as well as cease frivolous spending (i.e. the fancy bulge-outs that flatten tires) what a huge difference it would make. We have to get down to the meat and potatoes, without the gravy.
Will you help me speak to city hall and this time make sure we’re heard?
Warren Byrnell
Pitt Meadows