Welcome to my blog! MY primary objective is to alert my constituents and others in King Township about issues being reviewed at the upcoming Council meetings. I do this as I believe the quality of Council decisions is enhanced when the public is engaged. I hope that residents will make deputations and/or send emails to Council to express their opinion and/or to ask important questions. Also, I include notice of meetings and events which I think are particularly important. I welcome your comments, whether you agree or not with me, and only edit to eliminate inappropriate language.
Recent Posts
Is 13.9% tax increase really necessary?
The prospect of an increase of 15% on King Township’s portion of the property tax is eliciting a range of responses from residents: “….any increase greater than inflation (i.e. 2-3%) is unacceptable;” “…is 15% enough?” As a variation, some argue that 15-20% is probably justifiable but they wonder whether it would be better to do something like 10%/year for several years as opposed to making...
Tax Rate Proposal
A 13.9% increase on King portion of property taxes is recommended in the 2nd draft budget and business plan for King. Below are the 3 tax scenarios I presented in an earlier posting. To the right I have added the increase proposed in the 2nd draft budget. King portion of property tax #1 #2 #3 Proposed in 2nd draft budget % increase 7.45 9.26 15 13.9 $ increase on annual tax* 121 150 240 227...
New Rates for Water and Wastewater
Water and wastewater rates for those being serviced by municipal services have been set for 2011. For the average King Township residential user the rate is up $32.52, 3.9%. Consistent with previous year the water rate is comprised of a base charge and consumption charge. This rate structure is being maintained as it is the most effective way to encourage conservation, to encourage using less...
2011 Budget and Tax Rate
Like most people I get anxious when there is talk about a new tax rate. But now, as an elected representative who will be making a decision about tax rates I am very anxious. To clarify: I am not worrying about peoples’ reaction as I know any tax increase is not welcomed. What I am concerned about is making the right decision. 1st draft budget for 2011 has been labeled as being “pay as you...
Hello Bert, I agree totally with your point that there is the legislative means to ensure that designated properties are…
Under the Ontario Heritage Act Building standards by-law 35.3 (1) If a by-law passed under section 15.1 of the Building…
My thoughts: buildings with significant historical and architectural value deserve protection from loopholes in law. Lack of funds or will…
I agree with you that Council needs to address this demolition by neglect so that it cannot happen. This should…
I'll be there! And some of my friends too. Enjoy! Last year was an experience of a different kind, and…