Councillor Gary Zalepa says underfunding infrastructure is unbelievable
A proposal at Niagara Region's Budget committee to trim the upcoming budget to a 4-percent tax increase has been soundly defeated.
That idea was from Councillor Bob Gale, who says people cannot handle any further increases, especially after the region has heard from angry taxpayers about last year's increase of 7.58%.
Councillor Peter Secord stood with Gale. "It's a very shocking thing for me sometimes, to walk up to some doorsteps, and think 'Oh, my gosh, I feel bad for these folks'. And you may not get it in all communities, but in St. Catharines... the north end, the south end, you can see it... those people are hurting."
However, many councillors pointed out while they understand the impact on taxpayers, budget reduction will result in cutbacks to vital services.
Councillor Brian Heit sided with councillors who rejected the idea, many calling it irresponsible, ridiculous and not very smart.
"So all we do is pass the buck, and we don't want to put the impact on tomorrow's taxpayers. We want to pay it today? No, we don't want to pay it today, but guess what, tomorrow, those taxpayers don't want to pay it either," he says.
Council also voted down a pay freeze for city staff, indicating good talent is hard to find.
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