“If taxes are going to rise do it in a responsible way,” he said. From Brears perspective that responsible way was to look at the impact a three per cent a year tax hike would have. In making his initial motion Brears broke down each year’s increase over capital and operating, with capital receiving the lion’s share, roughly five per cent, over the three years. If the increases were not enough on the operating side Brears said there would need to be a decrease in expenditures, but without cutting programs or services. By creating a plan Brears said the public would better be able to plan in terms of the property tax costs.
As a result of the restriction the City has received complaints from local farmers who cannot drive their heavy machinery from one field to another since this bridge has a reduced capacity, she added. The cost of retrofitting this bridge is significant with a price tag well over the $1,000,000 range and this road is a low priority for the City. In essence, there are no plans to upgrade the road or the bridge and the neighbouring RM and farmers have been advised of this, noted Kaal. In response the RM is looking to upgrade another road as an option for farmers.