I am a concerned taxpayer in the City of Surrey.
The reason for my concern is simple and is based on audited financial statements from the City of Surrey.
While property taxes have not increased dramatically, spending has increased.
Governments obtain their revenues from many sources, including past surpluses.
The revenue source is always the taxpayer.
Specifically, our operating expense in Surrey has increased $146,000,000 over four fiscal periods; that’s an increase of 41.3 per cent. Who amongst us has had an increase of 41.3 per cent?
Our revenue has increased by $227,000,000 over the same period, that’s an increase of 48.3 per cent. The only source for revenue is ultimately the taxpayer.
Last year the city established an expense budget. The expenses exceeded budget by $102,900,00; that’s overspending of 25.8 per cent. Even the city’s auditors issued a statement about the need for spending controls.
If the past is any guide to the future, what do we have to look forward to?
The city’s five-year plan calls for spending of more than $1 billion. Yes, that’s a billion. What will be the outcome?
Fiscal responsibility boils down to attitude.
When I vote, I won’t be voting for the people who have been spending in the past.
Robert G. Grubb
