To the editor,
Re: Budget talks conclude with potential 7.3-per cent tax increase, Dec. 14.
The City of Nanaimo is contemplating a tax increase of 7.3 per cent for 2023. I am amazed that they are contemplating such an increase.
In 2022, I paid an increase in taxes on my home in the amount of 24 per cent. I had no improvements done to my home during the previous year. I have talked to other people who also suffered large increases in their taxes in 2022. Since it appears that Nanaimo collected windfall taxes last year, why are they again increasing our taxes?
I live in an area that has ditches for sidewalks yet this city has repeatedly spent money on ‘good looks’ projects such as Metral Drive, Front Street, etc. Now they want to hire 40 firefighters in a short period of time and raise our taxes to accommodate the fire chief’s wish list.
It is time the city council started running the city on behalf of the people of Nanaimo and stop approving what the city administration people keep recommending. It’s time for the city to get back to basics. A tax increase of three per cent for 2023 would be suitable, especially in light of the inflation that is making it harder for all of us to cope nowadays.
So I say to all city councillors, it’s time to start controlling the city purse strings in a prudent manner, stop giving away money, stop feel-good projects and give us taxpayers a break.
Pete Gustar, Nanaimo
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