This weekend's
NewsLeader, June 7th, had an interesting article regarding a
report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. In the "Operating spending growth and population and inflation growth, municipalities with a population over 25,000, 2000-2006" graph New Westminster shows a 21.4% increase in spending growth. New Westminster also had spending that exceeded $1500 per person (
p.7) . The report shows that New Westminster spent the most of any Metro Vancouver city on general government costs. The Royal City was also among the top three on per capita protective services spending.
The report has a number of interesting recommendations:
- Taxation and Expenditure Limitation Laws (TELs) for Municipalities
- Introduce Zero Based Budgeting with Meaningful Performance Targets
- Focus on Core Services
- Ensure a Greater Connection Exists Between Services Provided and Taxes Paid
- Restrict FTE and Wage Growth
One thing is for sure: "
People who complain about taxes can be divided into two classes: men and women." ~Author Unknown
- N.P.
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1 comment:
I am concerned about the story in the NewsLeader as a follow-up from the Vancouver Province regarding City spending. My question is: Other cities and municipalities spend less than New West and have many amenities, upgrades in infrastructure, and a healthy financial future. How come New West spends more, and offers so little to taxpayers? Is this a clear indication that staffing, department budgets, and salaries are excessive and no funds are available for simple improvements? I think so!
I believe we need a complete review of management, and a council qualified and prepared to make changes. After so many years running the city for the benefit of staff through maximizing employment positions we must make a change. Department budgets must be reduced. Productivity must be examined (and I don't mean self examined) to prevent waste of resources. We must cease the practice of accepting labour agreements negotiated by other cities with large industrial tax bases.
It is becoming clear to me businesses are not welcomed to New Westminster. I recall the final days of the BC NDP reign "will the last business leaving please turn out the lights". If New West did not have their own electrical department, the lights would be out.
Where are the action plans from the newly hired economics manager? The tourism manager? Or should I say where is the action from their plans.
Voice, please keep holding their feet to the fire. It is our only chance to improve New Westminster for all.
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