Reduced Taxes - In this term of council I have seen many opportunities where more wholesome discussion and better decisions would have resulted in reduced costs. In addition, there were opportunities to strengthen grant applications and re-apply for funding. Every time we can receive a Federal or Provincial grant or avoid a cost we can either reduce taxes, minimize the tax increases required or invest more in the greatest priorities of our residents. Our residents pay a great deal of tax; sales tax, income tax, gas tax, property tax, education tax and capital gains tax. These tax contributions have supported the building of schools and municipal facilities in other municipalities in the form of Federal & Provincial grants. When we decide to go it alone and approve major projects without government funding we are really doubling up the cost to our residents tax contribution.

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For the past several years I have been requesting a comprehensive review of our current town purchasing policies as I am confident that a centralized purchasing process will result in considerable cost savings. I am happy to report that a consultant has been hired to conduct this review and recommend best practices to council, hopefully in the near future.