Dear editor,

Re: City taxes

After receiving and paying my city taxes this year, I feel I must respond to city council members.

My taxes increased just under nine per cent (over $500); far higher than inflation increases. People are struggling with food prices, mortgage rates, gas prices etc. but governments just continue to spend. Meanwhile, people are cutting back spending less on necessities such as food and clothing, just to make ends meet.

Government spending at all levels is contributing to these inflationary increases. Does Courtenay city council have the philosophy of spending during good times and bad, then passing the bill onto taxpayers?

I ask city council to respond to the citizens of Courtenay in regard to what they have done to cut back during these inflationary times. Have the different departments had their budgets cut back like the rest of us in order to be more efficient? Could you give us some examples of these budget cuts so we can have some faith that competent fiscal managers are looking out for the citizens of Courtenay?

Bill Johnston,

Courtenay