How can we lower municipal taxes?

In the past five years:

~ The General Fund budget for the City of Fredericton has increased from $125.1 million to $184.8 million, or about 47%.

~ Property taxes collected by the city have increased from 110.6 million to 160.2 million or about 45%.

~ In 2023, when areas were amalgamated into the city, the property tax the city received increased by 23%.

~ Budgets in different departments have multiplied drastically. Just as an example:

o Composting increased by 435%

o By-law enforcement by 333%

o Leisure and Recreation increased by 267%

o Heritage increased by 137%

When the tax base increases, that is a chance for the city to decrease the tax rate.

A budget that is increasing at these rates is not indicative of a city that is facing budgetary pressures. It means that difficult budgetary decisions don’t have to be made. I don’t believe any budget needs to increase at the rate ours has.

Things are being done backwards. Responsible budgeting means:

1. Decide how much money you need.

2. See what tax base is available.

3. Set the tax rate accordingly.

Comments

Accountability and Transparency

I sat in on the Economic Prosperity and Growth Planning Committee meeting today, where the committee voted to delay the new proposed Heritage by-law until more public consultation is held. It’s always good news when Council takes the concerns of the public seriously. This issue directly affects housing affordability and property rights, so those affected deserve to have a voice. How can City Council be accountable and transparent? - Discuss public matters in public - Make decisions about public matters in public - Communicate effectively to the public what is being decided, where and when - Don’t make decisions before engaging the public - Budget responsibly and openly - Don’t hand off accountability to consu...

Meet the Candidate

I’ll be walking around your neighbourhoods this week, and I hope to have some good conversations. If I miss you, I’ll leave a bookmark at your door with my contact information. Who am I? I grew up in Douglas, and have lived in Fredericton for 52 of my 54 years. I’ve been with my husband for 26 years, and we have 5 kids and 2 grandkids (with another due any day!) I was a school teacher for 24 years. Then a stay-at-home mom. I was also a stay-at-home Grammy to my two grandsons for three years. My youngest graduated from high school last year. Throughout my life I have been a voracious reader and writer. I am a member of book clubs and writing groups. I read and review books on Bookstagram @jeatherhanereads and Goodreads. Last year I created a writing contest for unpublished writers, the Julia Stewart Memorial Short Story Contest , in memory of a good friend. Through it all, I have lived in Fredericton. I moved back to Douglas last year to retire, but something is calling me to r...

Coming Home

Hello, Ward 1, I’m seeking the nomination for City Council in your neighbourhood. I spent the first 26 years of my life in this neighbourhood, and it is truly my home. After 26 years living in downtown Fredericton, I’m so happy to be back. I don’t have an agenda and I don’t want to just pay lip service to the issues that are important to you. I think it’s time to disrupt the status quo at City Hall. I’m for transparent government. I’m for the rights of taxpayers. I’m for lower taxes. And I think it’s achievable. Let’s talk about it. Contact me at HeatherOConnellWard1@gmail.com :) Heather 1993 – 2017 Teacher 2017 – 2021 Stay at home Mom 2021 – 2024 Stay at home Grammy 2020 – present Book reviewer on Bookstagram @jeatherhanereads 2025 – present organizer and sponsor of Julia Stewart Memorial Short Story Contest

Ward 1

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