Dear editor,I am wondering if the city council of Courtenay has the same norm of living that some families practice — spending above their income.My question is — does the council try to balance the budget, is it a practice of the council to live within the City budget? I am wondering?In 12 years, our property taxes were raised from less than $1,000 to close to $4,000. Without any further comment on this touchy subject, I ask again, does council try hard to live within the financial means available, or do council members adopt the easy-going lifestyle as some of our members of society?Since the council voted unanimously for the increase, they will likely not be voted out when it is ballot time. But here is my question: Could this increase have been avoided by watching the outgoing pennies as we all have to do?An increase of $34.31 seems insignificant, however, if this becomes a yearly norm, after 10 years it will be $343 at the rate of 3.5 per cent.Last comment: Taxes never go down, how so? Maybe a new party could run on that platform. We will lower the taxes — wouldn’t that be an original idea?Ary Sala,Fanny Bay

Comox Valley Record