The municipal review clearly identified where we stand as a community in many areas; financial, working relationships, communications, council operations. It ended up far more comprehensive than I had expected.
According to the petition, the primary reason the Ratepayer’s Association requested the review was they felt “…that the mismanagement of the municipalities resources have resulted in an unfair tax rate”.
The review clearly states:
“Our review has not identified mismanagement of resources by the current administration...”
Then went on to explain why our tax rates have increased, none of which was connected to mismanagement by administration or council, but primarily due to market conditions, loss of industrial tax base and ironically enough, “...legacy issues (such as issues with developments) left over from previous Councils and administrations”.
In fact I was pleasantly surprised to learn just how good a financial position we are in as a community, especially when compared to similar communities across the province. The report noted things like:
- A net financial asset position that improved over the term of this council
- Long term debt that actually decreased over the term
- Clearly an enviable credit rating with debt amounts considerably lower than similar communities
- Expenses increased but clearly identified as connected with improvements to protection services which now create offsetting revenue
I have noticed little response from the Ratepayers who spearheaded this review, but do see that many of them are now running for council. Some of which have responded with comments such as “I question where they got their data” and “they’re outsiders who don’t understand our community”.
On Oct 21st we will be choosing our leaders for the next 4 years. Let’s make that choice based on facts, qualifications and positive ideals and plans that focus on the future. I know I will.
Couldn't agree more Scott. Facts vs. fiction that fuels the rumour mill. I just hope the good people of this community don't forget WHO was partly responsible for some of the "legacy issues" and uses good judgement as to whether they should be let back into office again or not. How soon we forget.
ReplyDeleteThe report did recommend they give us some information they've been sitting on for months. Then we can make informed decisions.
ReplyDeleteNot much chance it will see light before the election, though.
The report also indicates that there are a significant number of problems. Therefore the 87 recommendations, I could not imagine that number unless there were problems of some kind. Then taken in conjunction with the workplace assessment report that should raise some red flags.
ReplyDelete