At least one city councillor is worried about the possible tax increase!

Todays Telegraph Journal had a great article about Stephen Chase and his concerns about a possible six cent tax increase mentioned by the city’s finance commissioner Greg Yeomans. He had said that it would be a worse case scenario; however, everything involving the police and parking complex (North of Union) seems to be up in and air right now.

Regardless of best or worse case, Chase says this should raise a “Red Flag” – and he’s right! A six cent increase would amount to an increase of over 3% to everyone’s taxes!

“It bothers me when people say, ‘Relax, spend, we’re in good times,’ ” Chase said Thursday. “Wasn’t the pension board in good times 10 years ago? Look at the mess we’re in now.”

Chase says the city has to do more to cut down its operating costs, which will give the city more breathing room when it has to borrow for big projects. “Let’s watch where we spend on the other side of the ledger,” he said.

Chase, a third-term councillor, has long advocated the city’s getting involved in more private-sector funding and public-private partnerships. He’s also been adamant that the city should do everything it can to rework the city’s outside workers contract, which pegs the minimum number of workers at 293.

Keep in mind that during the budget process, Chase made a motion for council to reduce operating expenditures by $2 million. Council did not support that!

Although he supports the police station, Chase said taxpayers will reject any increase in the tax rate to pay for it, especially with rising assessments already increasing bills.

“If this building is going to cost $20 million, then you should make sure you find the money within your current means,” he said.

I believe that Stephen Chase has hit the nail on it’s head. Regardless of where you stand on the North of Union issue, I think we all stand together on the issue of tax increases. Based on the way the entire issue has been handled thus far, I have little hope that things are likely going to end up on time and under budget.

I just hope that articles like these really do raise a “Red Flag” and make people challenge the planning to make sure that the project does not end up increasing our tax rate and driving more people away from our city!