They want more accountability and transparency.
The Rossland Taxpayers Association has been formed in the anticipation of 10 per cent property tax increases each year over the next five years.
The association estimates with annual compounding, taxpayers will pay about 60 per cent more than they do today at the end of the five year plan.
The association’s Deb Nelson says the tipping point was the process leading up to the setting of this year’s rate.
She expressed disappointment after meetings in person with council and staff, as well as the presentation of a 350-name petition opposing the 10 per cent hike.
“They (petitioners) proposed a generous 2.5 per cent over inflation increase rather than the full 10 per cent,” she said, stating that the campaign didn’t stop there.
“Letters and emails (were also submitted) and none of that had any impact, it didn’t result in council asking staff to trim even a dollar from the proposed budget,” Nelson added,
Nelson indicated association members intend to drive home the message that 10 per cent increases “threaten the age and income diversity of the community.”
She believes more people would speak out, if they felt their concerns would be heard and residents need to know if organized representation is worth the effort.
“If it isn’t, we both need to acknowledge that and that they then need understand that taxpayers aren’t involved because the system is not set up for meaningful participation,” explained Nelson.
The association also wants to take a deeper dive into its advocacy, expanding into discussions about departmental budgets.
Nelson says the current model for public consultation doesn’t go far enough.
“Always focusing on things like the swimming pool and the library, that is just kind of ineffective in examining the total picture of what it takes to run the city,” Nelson stated.
The association also wonders about dedicating half of the 10 per cent increase to the changes in services and inflation reserve funds.
Nelson hopes the group’s formation will lead to meaningful participation.
“We’ve introduced the organization and what our goals are and at least council knows we’re knocking at the door,” Nelson surmised.
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