Update on Poll – Budget 2012

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Thank you for responding to the pulse survey question, “Do you agree with the town’s budget decision to spend an additional $1 million (6%) this year”?

88% of you responded in the negative, which supports our group’s position that taxes in Midland are simply too high. To this end, our journey is just beginning in the sense that we need to better understand where and why the increases have occurred historically and why, at such alarming proportions. To assist us in this regard, we have requested information from the town under the Freedom of Information act, (FOI), which will allow us to research and analyze spending trends relative to population growth, inflation, and other relevant benchmarks.

We believe it is imperative that 2012’s budget process begins now. In fact, 2011’s budget should remain fluid and in our view, all town Departments should be asked to manage to a lower target, given the economic realities.

With this said, we are encouraged by the fact that Midland and Penetanguishene are looking seriously at the notion of shared services and shared resources in an effort to optimize both efficiencies and thereby reducing costs going forward without negatively impacting services. Coupled with this exercise should be a unified effort to cross-promote both town’s somewhat unique and valuable resources/assets. The above two initiatives, focusing on more efficient spending and growing the tax base through development are the only two viable ways to manage the run-a-way tax train.

We have a team in place who will be reviewing the ten-year historical spend over the weeks ahead and will report on our findings and conclusions.

In the meantime, please take a few moments and respond to our new “pulse survey”, dealing with partnering opportunities with our neighbouring towns.

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