The proposed annual budget, which was given first reading on
February 19th 2013, fails to address the real issue and will result
in a further deterioration of the town’s diminishing financial reserves. I shall
be voting against any tax increases and the proposed budget unless significant reductions
in expenses are made prior to adoption.
The following statement that appears on page 7 of the public
consultation and information package is somewhat misleading;
“The proposed 2013 annual budget includes a 2% general tax increase
with all proceeds to go to the Asset Renewal Reserve.”
This statement would lead the reader to infer that the town’s
financial reserves will be going up, whereas under the proposed budget the
reserves by year end 2013 are forecast to decline by $407,658. (Schedule A).
The town has drawn down its reserves to a precariously low level and
continues to do so.
The real issue is that the town must learn to live within
its means and cut expenses. By far the largest expenses in 2011 were salaries,
wages and benefits at $2.8 million and contracted services at $2.7 million.
Combined these represent over eighty percent (80%) of the total operating
expenses for the town and must be addressed in a meaningful way.
Keith W Hern, Councillor
Town of Golden
The opinions expressed in this document are my personal
opinions and may not represent the opinions of other Councillors nor the
opinions of council.
