The "real" figure is not 48%, it's 52.66%. The "error" that the Westerly apologizes for is actually not an error at all. All of these annual increases will be compounded on top of the previous years increases, so that the actual increase, after 5 years, is 52.29%. After the increases are all added up, taxes that are today $100.00, will total up to $152.29. Just like the interest on the interest on your mortgage grows upon itself, so will these tax increases grow on the taxpayers of Tofino.
This tax grab goes a long way to helping with affordable housing (a previous council mantra). If you can’t afford to buy a place and pay current taxes, next year will be tougher...and then tougher and then real tough.
Quote "Prior to passing the budget, Tofino’s district office collected feedback from residents online, with many expressing opposition to the increases. None of the roughly 50 submissions that were received spoke in favour of the increases." So the CFO, the mayor, and all six councillors chose to ignore the voices of the people, with the lame explanation that the citizens are "confused" and went ahead to approve a budget that was not supported by even one citizen. How can the electorate and the government be so far out of touch with each other? What part of "representative government" does this assembly of elected and hired public servants not understand? A shameful disgrace. Resignations would not be inappropriate.
Inaugural meeting of the TOFINO RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
Inaugural open house and meeting of the Tofino Ratepayers Association will be held downstairs at the Tofino Legion on Wednesday,June 12. Doors open at 6pm. The Meeting will start at 7pm. Arrive early to avoid a 7pm lineup at the door and allow yourself time to become a member. Membership is free. Come and find out what the Ratepayers Association is all about. If you are a property owner or renter, you need us and we need you to join so that with a united voice, we can tell Tofino’s Mayor and Council to hold the line on taxation increases. Come and learn about the planned increases to your taxes and rents.
The accountant claims to have misspoken. I take her at her word. What I am tired of is council getting staff to answer for every enquiry and issue. Staff don't create the policy. Council continues to hide in behind a mask of propriety. I want my council to explain the facts and the policy and the decision and why we need it. It leaves me wondering if they can. Can they explain the districts books. If they can't, we are never getting out of this quagmire.
The "real" figure is not 48%, it's 52.66%. The "error" that the Westerly apologizes for is actually not an error at all. All of these annual increases will be compounded on top of the previous years increases, so that the actual increase, after 5 years, is 52.29%. After the increases are all added up, taxes that are today $100.00, will total up to $152.29. Just like the interest on the interest on your mortgage grows upon itself, so will these tax increases grow on the taxpayers of Tofino.
ReplyDeleteThis tax grab goes a long way to helping with affordable housing (a previous council mantra).
ReplyDeleteIf you can’t afford to buy a place and pay current taxes, next year will be tougher...and then tougher and then real tough.
Quote "Prior to passing the budget, Tofino’s district office collected feedback from residents online, with many expressing opposition to the increases. None of the roughly 50 submissions that were received spoke in favour of the increases." So the CFO, the mayor, and all six councillors chose to ignore the voices of the people, with the lame explanation that the citizens are "confused" and went ahead to approve a budget that was not supported by even one citizen. How can the electorate and the government be so far out of touch with each other? What part of "representative government" does this assembly of elected and hired public servants not understand? A shameful disgrace. Resignations would not be inappropriate.
ReplyDeleteInaugural meeting of the TOFINO RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
ReplyDeleteInaugural open house and meeting of the Tofino Ratepayers Association will be held downstairs at the Tofino Legion on Wednesday,June 12. Doors open at 6pm. The Meeting will start at 7pm. Arrive early to avoid a 7pm lineup at the door and allow yourself time to become a member. Membership is free.
Come and find out what the Ratepayers Association is all about.
If you are a property owner or renter, you need us and we need you to join so that with a united voice, we can tell Tofino’s Mayor and Council to hold the line on taxation increases.
Come and learn about the planned increases to your taxes and rents.
The accountant claims to have misspoken. I take her at her word. What I am tired of is council getting staff to answer for every enquiry and issue. Staff don't create the policy. Council continues to hide in behind a mask of propriety. I want my council to explain the facts and the policy and the decision and why we need it. It leaves me wondering if they can. Can they explain the districts books. If they can't, we are never getting out of this quagmire.
ReplyDelete