“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.