To the Editor,
Re: Residents face 3.3-percent tax-rate hike, Dec. 13.
The admission by staff that Nanaimo’s municipal infrastructure has, in the past, been underfunded provides a stark reminder of the wasteful spending that has taken place in recent years at city hall.
For example, the financial disaster that is known as the Vancouver Island Conference Centre – the building downtown that holds very few conferences – absorbed $75 million to $100 million of taxpayer resources when it was constructed, and continues to require millions every year in operating expenses.
These are funds that could, and should, have been directed toward regular maintenance of city assets.
But now, the same group of highly paid city employees are citing inadequate maintenance priorities as an excuse to raise taxes.
And don’t be fooled into believing that this year’s increase is only 3.3 per cent, because it is not.
The actual proposed increase in 2013 is 4 per cent when including the substantial increases to water, sewer and garbage rates – necessitated by the mismanagement of taxpayer funds by past and present councils and senior staff.
Wayne Schulstad
Nanaimo