Residents frustrated with the proposed 5.3 per cent tax increase to Amherstburg’s budget gathered last week to hear findings of an accountant’s review of the subject.
Retired CPA Peter Wiesner pointed out his 37 years of experience to those gathered at the Amherstburg Residents Forum meeting last Thursday night at the Unifor union hall on Pickering Dr. He is from the Toronto area and worked in Newmarket as well before coming to this area, where he said the tax base is higher here than in two of his previous locations.
Wiesner said information is key to the budget process and noted he has questions with regards to the timeliness of financial documentation. He cited the audited financial statements as an example, believing the target is to have them completed six months after year-end or by no later than Sept. 30.
Wiesner told the group at the Amherstburg Resident Form meeting that late numbers present “challenges” when trying to forecast future budgets.
Due dates filing the Financial Information Return (FIR) to the Ontario government is May 31, Wiesner told the group, with Amherstburg submitting its FIR Oct. 31. Wiesner added that 287 of the province’s 444 municipalities submitted as of his presentation.
Obtaining data quicker is key, he added, stating he wanted more data for the presentation from the town but found it “a little eye-opening” to be told it was not available.
Wiesner also wanted more information on development fees and government grants received.
The taxpayers fund 52 per cent of the town’s overall budget, said Wiesner, and that more needs to be done to create new revenue streams.
“The tax base is very high in Amherstburg,” said Wiesner. “We need to attract new revenue.”
Wiesner suggested attracting not just new businesses and industry, but suggested additional government grants, services and private sector partnerships. One site that could benefit from more public/private partnerships is operation of the Libro Centre, he said.
“You want extra revenue? You partner with business,” he said.
The debt reduction by $2 million “should continue,” he added, though believed municipalities should not carry debt.
Wiesner called for the town to prioritize capital projects in the budget, ranging from “critical” to “nice to have.” He told the group that in a perfect world, capital items are estimated at $24 million budgeted annually. He said “choices need to be made and ranking projects in the budget will assist in determining which move ahead and which don’t.”
Wiesner’s written presentation stated that items that need to be considered before finalizing an increase include the taxpayers ability to pay, affordability for seniors and allow them to stay in their own homes, what are critical capital items and what are non-capital items and the public perception of property taxes and the ability to attract residents and businesses.
In suggesting a two to 2.5 per cent increase, Wiesner added that could be used as a marketing tool.
“Why not go with lower taxes to attract business?”
The audit and finance committee should have a clearer role mandated by council, and suggested more use of professionals besides town representatives.
“This committee should be independent in its operation and no scope limitations imposed on it to be effective and provide more lead time on matters so it can properly do its function,” he said.
Wiesner said he is a big fan of process and using outside people where necessary.
Asked by several in attendance about how to get those messages to town council, Wiesner said if people voice their concerns loud enough, “that might get their attention.” If not, there is always the ballot box in 2026.
Voter turnout and voter education was discussed among those at the forum’s meeting. Sue Hudson called for additional measurables, citing her request regarding Open Air Weekends as an example.
“Have measurables and let me know how you met your measurables,” she said.
Larry Amlin believed the town’s economic development plan was too focused on tourism and Frank Cerasa suggested the town is becoming unaffordable.
“We’re not marketing ourselves,” he believed.
Other concerns voiced included ongoing issues on George St., Seymour St. and Murray St. such as having to remove fencing and landscaping for the sewer works and the type of sewage work is there currently. Issues with Open Air Weekend were voiced, with lack of parking issues voiced as were issues with accessibility.
Councillor Diane Pouget told the group that only a motion to receive the report on Open Air should have come out of the economic development advisory committee meeting and to refer it to budget instead of a motion to endorse it for the rest of the term.
“We can’t touch it for two years,” she said.
By Ron Giofu
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