Editor: According to Canada Census 2024, population for Chatham-Kent is 105,418. Of those people, 24,495 are over 65 and 27,850 are under 24 (probably still students or close to minimum wage employees). That leaves 52,345 people to pay the majority of taxes in Chatham-Kent.
Now, let’s break this down in terms of income…41 per cent are low income earners (below $40,000 annually). Seniors on a fixed income are struggling to make ends meet and low income families are finding the same. And yet our municipal taxes keep increasing. The early look for 2025 is nine per cent.
I cannot believe that this is happening when our homeless population is increasing – perhaps because they can’t pay all their bills?
Here’s a suggestion that I know you have all heard. Never mind asking council for the tax cuts. Go directly to the managers of each department and ask them to find 10 per cent savings in their budget. Each and every one knows where they can save 10 per cent, whether it be personnel, travel, supplies, whatever.
If they cannot find it, then you take a look at their budget and find it, but give them the first opportunity.
Every company, every department, can find 10 per cent savings and give your constituents a break. So many people are living off their savings just to make ends meet that if these tax increases keep happening, you may find yourself with a larger homeless population than you are currently facing.
I know I am not alone in asking this, as so many of my friends, family and neighbours are facing tough times in making ends meet. So I’m pleading to you, please go back to your management and ask that they find savings so that we don’t have to face another frightful year.
Karen Pynenbrouck
Chatham
Several on council have NO regard for the taxpayers as proven by their voting record on increases. Marjorie Crew and a few other long time councillors has been responsible for MANY new SUNSHINE LIST employees.
They have the power to the approve or reject the budgets. Some councillors have NEVER or SELDOM express their views in a meeting. Never asked a question or challenged admin. Do they understand the financial implications of blindly saying YES?
Council could ask every department manager to redo a budget at 90% of what they already passed on. The private sector does that type of exercise in order to stay alive.
There’s an old saying “you can’t fight city hall” However the taxpayers do have a chance to vote for a council they feel have the best interests of C-K residents in mind, and won’t fold and give in when budget deliberations are happening..