Mat Siscoe says he talks constantly to any financial person in government who'll listen
St. Catharines mayor is making the case for why the current municipal property tax system, dating back to Confederation, desperately needs overhauling.
Mat Siscoe says he understands federal and provincial governments want homes built and infrastructure maintained, but it's being done on current infrastructure that's over 100 years old.
He says city's need better support. "The city only brings in about 4% of the overall taxes, the region takes in about 4% of the overall taxes, so combined, we're at 8%. But, we're responsible for more than 60% of all the infrastructure. We're working with a funding model that was developed in the 1900's."
He adds he constantly talks to anyone in government who deals with finances about this.
"If you gave us a system that actually worked properly, we wouldn't have to come begging to you every 6 months for the next infrastructure project. I feel if they fixed the system that funds municipalities, it makes everyone's life a lot easier."
He says he doesn't know where the province sits with this, as they hold their cards close to their chest.
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