To the Editor:
After reading Denny Scott’s coverage of the North Huron budget proceedings in The Citizen, January 11, I have to ask two questions: who is in charge of spending the tax dollars of the Municipality of North Huron and who decides what expenditures are necessary?
It has always been my belief that we elect a reeve and council to act on behalf of the electorate to manage the day-to-day business of the municipality; to ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely and to direct and supervise municipal employees to carry out the decisions of the council.
After reading the summary of events at the budget meeting, at which a draft budget was presented with a whopping 14.7 percent increase to taxation, it appears to me that the direction of authority (or chain of command) has reversed and that the Department Heads, who are well paid with our tax dollars, are now giving council direction as to how tax dollars need to be spent and where to spend them.
With increased down-loading of programs by the provincial government and more of our local tax dollars directed to support local programs, it is essential that rural councils take a good look at what is necessary and what isn’t.
It’s a sad state of affairs when being a property owner in the Municipality of North Huron or anywhere in the Province of Ontario becomes more of a financial liability than an asset because of the taxation burden we must carry.
In conclusion, I respectfully ask the members of North Huron Council to remember who elected them and to review their obligations to the electorate. Do not be intimidated by the wish lists of municipal employees; instead keep a keen eye focused on the expenditures that are necessary to run the municipality like any other financially efficient business.
Stand up at meetings and vocalize your common-sense opinions and ideas to ensure a fair and financially responsible management of our tax dollars.