Editor:
As a taxpayer, I feel there is a big disconnect between City Council and the reality of city finances.
Our town is in debt 6.7 million dollars! Sensible fiscal management would require that until the debt is paid there should be a hiring freeze and a moratorium on any wage increase along with a curtailment of discretionary expenditures such as the Police Station and Fire Hall.
I do not disagree that these buildings need a major overhaul or replacement. However with a large debt the city cannot finance these buildings without raising taxes. At a 12.5 per cent increase in taxes you have a major financial discomfort for thousands of taxpayer verses workplace discomfort for approximately 65 employees.
The major renovation or replacement of these facilities should be deferred until the pulp mill is sold and we have some tax in come. Hopefully the price received will pay the debt and the taxes would go toward the new facilities for the Police and Firefighters and there would be no increase in taxes.
Surely there is someone on Council willing to be leader and an advocate for taxpayers to keep the city costs at a minimum until our debt is paid.
Yours Sincerely
D. Rowse