FEATURED COMMENT – Remembering when City tax hikes were reasonable
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We used to see reasonable tax increases in Kamloops, in the order of 2-3%, more or less the inflation rate. During the Covid pandemic, the Federal government couldn’t shovel money out the door fast enough it seemed, with no thought for the consequences, fueling unnecessary inflation by creating artificial demand from folks with more “free” money than they could ever have imagined, with consequent price increases (or gouging, if you prefer).
This mindset seems to have filtered down to the municipal government level. We have now seen tax increases approaching 10% in each of the last 3 years, with another likely significant hike this coming year, and taxpayers are supposed to unquestioningly accept that as the new normal. Governmental bodies across the spectrum are addicted to spending money that isn’t theirs to start with, on questionable projects and programs.
The proposed Summit Connector footbridge comes to mind, a completely unnecessary boondoggle that won’t get used unless they also put a fence down Summit Drive, which would solve the issue without building the bridge in the first place, but hey, it’s at least something to spend (waste?) money on.
Taxpayers’ salaries have typically not seen the kind of increases to match these new tax hikes, so they naturally question, or should, how 8 or 9% annual increases in taxes became the new normal? I understand the need for necessary infrastructure i.e. the PAC, new ice surfaces, possibly the RCMP office, but this constant search for new shiny things to spend money on, and the increase in City staff to operate/supervise it all, needs to stop right now.
We absolutely need good infrastructure and amenities to attract new professionals to RIH, TRU, and other facilities. That said, high tax rates will not encourage folks to move here, and may in fact act as a deterrent. The idea of an independent audit and zero-based budgeting at regular intervals has been pooh-poohed in the past, with the assumption by those with a vested interest that everything is operating at peak efficiency, and there is no improvement to be made. It would be nice for those paying the bills to know for sure.
KEN McCLELLAND
ArmchairMayor.ca 
ummm, Covid was 2020. you’re complaining about things that happened way before that. How can Covid be responsible for the actions taken prior to it even existing?
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Disagree, the really hefty tax increases have been in the past 3 – 4 years, prior to that most years were pretty much rate-of-inflation increases.
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10 years of “taxes” at 10% … you’re paying your whole homes value in “taxes”. After 30 years………. I think you can do the math.
Kamloops council needs a full refresh in my opinion. Time for some new ideas……
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With the inflation rate back to a norm are we going to get a rightful tax discount next tax season?
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Has anyone at the municipality ever been laid off? No? Why?
Inflation runs well below 3% now. Is the city proving a 7% improvement on services for taxpayers who are paying %10 increase?
The city seems like a trough for the piggies to suckle at the taxpayer pocket. Stop spending our money so easily and ask questions. Be critical. Stop with the rubber stamping because it’s easy to do when it’s not your wallet. Look at the city asks with suspicion because there is an inherent conflict of interest when the city comes to council for money, because every penny involves those employeees in some way.
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I wonder if people look at tax liabilities when choosing to move to a city?
Sound management would peg tax increases to inflation and figure out a way to make it work.
This council hardly ever says a word with the ratepayer in mind. 10% annual increases? Check yourselves.
There is no one on council that deserves reelection. I hope those new entrants highlight what council has done with taxes, the wet facilities, AAP abuse and the banning of public input before casting a vote.
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