People like to complain about having to pay higher municipal taxes but do they get involved in town hall meetings and opportunities for public consultation?
For the most part, probably not, and that's a shame.
Local government is where the average person has the most opportunity to shape the public agenda and get heard.
Arguably, there appears to be little wriggle room in most city budgets where contractual obligations and salaries make up a large portion of expenses. People also want their city services and seem to be willing to shell out for festivals, parks, landscaping and recreational opportunities while also hoping city bureaucrats are watching out on the crime and security side of things by making sure there are enough police and fire services to handle any serious issues.
Local politicians are also acutely aware of the importance of keeping their constituents happy and won't pass off a property tax hike that is too unreasonable for fear of not getting reelected.
Still, taxpayers don't have infinite resources and so is it fair to go back to them every year for more money?
This question of fairness is a good one, given the range of property tax increases in the works for local residential property owners.
In Port Coquitlam, where the public has until March 7 to comment on the draft budget, a tax hike of 3.4% is proposed. Port Moody is considering a 5.13% tax increase (5.04% after utility rates are blended in) while Coquitlam, which already passed its budget, will charge residential taxpayers 2.64% more this year than last.
The impact of these increases doesn't seem like much — about $55 in Coquitlam, $68 in PoCo and $97 in PoMo on the average house if all budgets are passed — but over time, they add up.
The best way to make sure you are paying the right amount of tax is to take a look at your city's financial documents and decide whether increases can be justified. If not, get more involved at tax time next year.
As for Port Coquitlam residents, you still have time to weigh in on the online survey at http://www.portcoquitlam.ca/page276.aspx
Remember, nobody else is going to speak up for you. The cost of silence comes directly out of your bank account.
.jpg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
