Every year, council is faced with the annual request from administration for yet more money. They should take a page out of the book of reality from business, where spending is based on revenue received rather than the reverse.

Since our economy began to decline more than five years ago, small businesses continue to experience reduced sales with few signs of recovery. Couple that with the many increases in operating costs, such as  in February, a new law to pay all employees to not come to work on Family Day. Plus businesses pay a higher rate in property taxes, utilities, etc.

Everyone envies those employed by larger employers, such as the City — security, comfortable wages and generous benefits. But the reality is that the rest of us (small business and citizens) are struggling, having to do with less and continue to pay more.

With the administration’s request for more tax dollars, councillors hold “special meetings” to try reducing the proposed increase.  Instead, adopt a policy that everyone (including the City) must do with less during these slow economic times and advise administration to adjust the budget accordingly. Simply pass the following motion;

“Whereas the economy has declined for more than five years; And whereas the tax payers of the city Kamloops have had to do with less net income during these poor economic times; And whereas the local economy shows no signs of recovery in the near future;  Be it resolved that the City of Kamloops will reduce its spending by five per cent  in 2013.”

The many recent letters to the editor clearly indicates that there is dissatisfaction on this subject among the electorate. It would seem that the council needs to take charge and direct the city administration that they too must do with less. 

BEN ROY

Kamloops business owner