This Record article outlines what was discussed at Monday's meeting.
Waterloo heading for higher taxes next year
WATERLOO — Waterloo council intends to raise city taxes again next year, but the size of the increase won’t be determined until February.
Council launched its 2012 budget deliberations Monday.
City hall forecasts a tax increase reaching almost 10 per cent over a four-year term ending in 2014. This includes an increase of 1.9 per cent approved in 2011.
City staff told councillors that Waterloo has a high debt, can’t maintain its current infrastructure and no longer enjoys the fast-growing tax base of decades past. This suggests the city, described in a recent report as having among the highest taxes in Ontario, can’t afford new projects.
“You get to that point where you have to say, ‘It’s now time to do less with less.’ And we’re there,” Coun. Mark Whaley said in an interview.
Some councillors recognize that many residents feel tapped out, even as other residents clamour for new services.
“There are so many folks that feel they are at the limit of affordability,” Coun. Diane Freeman said. “People feel totally overwhelmed.”
City taxes – at just over $1,000 for a home assessed at $254,000 - account for less than half the property tax bill. Regional taxes are roughly half the bill and education taxes make up the rest.
Council has created a volunteer committee of 12 citizens that intends to recommend budget options. Committee chair Mike Magreehan, a financial planner, said its members are grappling with “nice-to-have” spending on items including senior programs, a skateboard park, the local symphony and the downtown Clay and Glass gallery.
Citizens also hope to make recommendations around public communication, clarity of financial statements and ways to encourage savings within city hall.
Council launched its 2012 budget deliberations Monday.
City hall forecasts a tax increase reaching almost 10 per cent over a four-year term ending in 2014. This includes an increase of 1.9 per cent approved in 2011.
City staff told councillors that Waterloo has a high debt, can’t maintain its current infrastructure and no longer enjoys the fast-growing tax base of decades past. This suggests the city, described in a recent report as having among the highest taxes in Ontario, can’t afford new projects.
“You get to that point where you have to say, ‘It’s now time to do less with less.’ And we’re there,” Coun. Mark Whaley said in an interview.
Some councillors recognize that many residents feel tapped out, even as other residents clamour for new services.
“There are so many folks that feel they are at the limit of affordability,” Coun. Diane Freeman said. “People feel totally overwhelmed.”
City taxes – at just over $1,000 for a home assessed at $254,000 - account for less than half the property tax bill. Regional taxes are roughly half the bill and education taxes make up the rest.
Council has created a volunteer committee of 12 citizens that intends to recommend budget options. Committee chair Mike Magreehan, a financial planner, said its members are grappling with “nice-to-have” spending on items including senior programs, a skateboard park, the local symphony and the downtown Clay and Glass gallery.
Citizens also hope to make recommendations around public communication, clarity of financial statements and ways to encourage savings within city hall.
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