Budget 2013: Aiming for increase near 3%
Given the economic climate and the potential increase for necessary items, our budget must reflect priorities and need to haves.
Budget
City of Burlington Budget 2013: Tax increase proposed for 2.3-6.5%
We must do better than a 6.5% increase, and that will require some tough choices.
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Burlington City : Ward 2 News Burlington | Marianne Meed Ward: [...] For a line by line discussion of proposed items in the budget, please see my earlier article on the…
My priorities for Ward 2 and Burlington in 2013
There are steps we can take, both large and small, short term and long term, that will preserve what we love about the community, and make changes that will make our city even better
City budget focuses on infrastructure, hospital
In March, city council approved a budget that increases our funding for infrastructure and our hospital, resulting in a city tax increase of 3.29%.
Council delivers 0.9% tax increase
My Take: During the election campaign, many of you told me you wanted the city to rein in spending, focus on priorities, and more closely align spending to economic realities. City taxes have increased by a whopping 75% since 2000 – about 5.6% per year, while our population has only grown by 18%, and inflation by 23%. This budget signals a new focus on fiscal restraint while maintaining or enhancing core priorities for our hospital and seniors.
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Clarkd: I agree. Perhaps existing money could be used even more efficiently with close supervision of pier construction and sidewalk/road work,…
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Gary Scobie: Thanks for supplying info on tax increases versus population and CPI increases. What an eye-opener!
Infrastructure deficit, tax increases subject of Ward 2 advisory meeting
The proposed capital and current (or operations) budget for 2011 will address some, but not all of these challenges. Staff are proposing a tax increase of 2.5%. That includes a dedicated .5% infrastructure levy. Council has also recently learned there is a sizable surplus from the 2010 budget, which we’ll learn more about next week, when staff bring forward a report on the amount, source and proposed disposition of the surplus.
During the campaign I pledged to rein in tax increases, and focus on infrastructure and core services. I’m very concerned about our infrastructure renewal gap and will suggest that some of the surplus be directed toward that, in addition to looking at redirecting funds from other capital and operating to infrastructure.
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Mikeemooney: After the excess capital spending for completely discretionary items of the past few years, (pier, PAC) we now see that…
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Lynne: I agree with you that these are not necessities. If it doesn't involve health or safety then I don't think…
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Deedee Davies: I think it is dangerous to look at capital budgets without also looking at the operating budget ramifications. When discussing…
Video: Burlington city spending is too high
City Hall is increasing taxes at 3 times the rate of inflation to pay for nice-to-have capital projects like the pier. City Hall needs to limit spending: and ideas on how we could rein it in.
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Dave Daniels: I would like to see an increase no more than the rate of inflation. The amount to the Hospital is…
Bruce Bond: Taxes: Why do we always start with a high percentage and then when it is settled at half the price…
Gary Scobie: I support a 3.5% increase as the maximum, to be directed to the need-to-haves only.
IamRickB: I would like to see an increase no more than the rate of inflation...if you have to cut services- so…
Dave Trueman: I support the 3.5% budget increase and infrastructure (roads, sewers, etc.) maintenance Dave Trueman