No Game 7 but that doesn't mean we can't have a Tax Levy

In May 2013, on an evening when everyone was watching Game 7 of the playoffs between the Leafs and the Bruins, Newmarket Council quietly passed a extra tax levy without any scrutiny or people input.


When a municipality passes its annual budget, the media and the public pays attention.  Usually, people are given a chance to speak about town priorities and whether a tax increase is necessary.  If done right, a budget that follows this open and accountable process is proven to deliver great results.  Not only do the council members get an opportunity to sell their visions and establish priorities, but an inclusive process also makes taxpayers feel more like citizens instead of ATMs. 


But in 2013, Councillor Hempen stealthily pushed forward with his singular legislative achievement of the 2010-2014 term.  Without explaining why this levy was necessarily or how it was intended to be used, he convinced his Council colleagues to hike your property tax bill. 


As the great Yogi Berra once said, It's Deja Vu all over again. 


On the next agenda (March 23rd, 2015) there is an item listed as follows:


Corporate Services Report - Financial Services 2015-20 dates March 6, 2015 regarding Decision Packages and Infrastructure Levy (Report to be distributed with Addendum Agenda)


Unlike other agenda items, there is no explanation what this agenda topic is about and the public isn't shown a copy of the report.  It appears that we are being given as little information about an "Infrastructure Levy" as possible. 


What is curious about this Levy is that the 2015 budget has yet to pass.  Why is Council considering a special levy if it could just as easily be included within an upcoming budget? 


Just a few weeks ago, council made a big show about how community volunteers came together to create skating rinks.  The money, time and ideas were all volunteer-based with the Town of Newmarket providing parkland.  This is just one example of such a project.  Regular readers will remember similar projects such as considerable sums collected for the off-leash dog park, and the significant sponsorship of the community centre by the Lions Club.  If the community is voluntarily funding recreational facilities like these, we should all be concerned about the voracious appetite of the Town to increase our taxes.  Where is all the tax money going?


Hopefully answers will be forthcoming soon.  Unlike 2013, the Maple Leafs have no chance of making the playoffs this year so there should be plenty of public scrutiny should Council decide to proceed with this special levy.