Adventures in Budgetland – Why Is Our Rate So High?

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Last Updated: 13 March 2017

Adventures in Budgetland – Why Is Our Rate So High?

As a ratepayer and new member of the CCHT, I offered to record a video and take notes at the 2017 budget meeting for Hamilton Township on December 15. Having no experience with any meetings such as this, it felt like I was dropped into a rabbit hole and the only way out was to figure out the right questions to ask. Unfortunately these questions just lead to more questions, and I still find myself spinning in the hole.  I would like to share, however, what I have learned with anyone who is interested so others might be spared this same ordeal in the future.

Question #1 – Where are we in the 2017 budget process now?

The first opportunity for citizen input was on November 30. I had expected to see the mayor and the councilors there to hear our concerns, but this did not happen. Instead notes were taken which were to be passed on to our elected officials afterwards. At the draft budget meeting that followed on December 15, little discussion of these notes took place and instead salaries and money for capital and operating expenses were announced and projects to be paid for out of reserves were given the green light. The budget, as expected, was passed on December 20.

Is there any other opportunity for input from the ratepayers? Why is there such a rush to pass the budget for Hamilton Township when other municipalities appear to take much longer to complete the process?

Read more: Adventures in Budgetland – Why Is Our Rate So High?

ENGAGEMENT

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Last Updated: 03 February 2017

When do municipalities engage their communities, and why?

Some of the most common reasons are rather uninspiring; because of legal or other requirements; because it is expected; because it seems like the right thing to do.

Are these reasons really good enough? Perhaps the better reasons is because community engagement can help government to do its job and because it leads to better decision making.

Municipalities are not self-sufficient machines delivering services to passive consumers. Expectations have changed, and the challenges that face municipalities are more complex and require more collaboration than ever before.

No one approach is necessarily better than the other; rather, the approach needs to suite the purpose and individuals involved. The goal is to facilitate genuine opportunities for shared learning and dialogue, and find new ways to work together on common goals.

Embracing engagement as a way of working creates better relationships between municipalities and citizens, and increases trust. It breaks down the formality of traditional engagement practices, and focus on working together. Ultimately, it leads to greater citizen involvement, better decision making and an increased sense of civic pride.

Writers Corner

Hamilton Township 2017 Budget Working Papers

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Last Updated: 23 December 2016

December 1, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 30, 2016, between 5:30 -7 pm the Treasurer met with some 30 members of our community to discuss the proposed 2017 budget. In attendance were the CAO, Clerk, (Fire, Roads and Parks and Rec Heads) and I Councillor Scott Jibb. The CCHT, now approaching some 200 members strong, had some 25 folks in attendance to have their voices heard. Although not a lot of time to discuss such important matters in our community, the CCHT felt that it was more timely and proactive than last year, offering some sense of moving in the right direction by staff and council to include public opinions in these matters. The Treasurer did advise that further input or questions would be collated and received by email as not all questions were received.

Input was finally received from public after a half hour slide show providing basic background info on taxes, in a two way discussion. Items were recorded by the Treasurer for presentation to council in December. No copy of the presentation was made available as a handout. The working papers found on the website did not include any actual numbers nor any previous YTD numbers for reasonable comparisons which lead to a heated discussion about openness on the website and its very illegible site map for easy use by its intended users, the taxpayer. Preparation for the meeting was noticeably difficult because of this and obvious lack of post meeting preparation time; less than 48 hours to review what little info was available. The CCHT were very surprised and dismayed by the lack of direct answers to questions and the obvious lack of accurate and comprehensive information allowing all members of our community to be openly and fairly informed about our tax dollars and expenditures whether in attendance or not. There was no discussion on council and staffs efforts to take responsibility and to make commitments towards any reduction in expenditures therefore we will continue to get more of the same, more tax increase for the same or less service. We say enough is enough. Time to hold course, investigate and work towards no increases.

A question specifically asked by the CCHT around the Roads budget with reference to a $35000 roads need study by D M WIlls and Assoc presented to current council in March of 2015 asking for the current Roads plan, current year roads completed and future plans were not revealed by staff. Our further reaction was how can you plan a budget without a plan and estimation for that work. Furthermore what's the big secret. Let our residents know what is in the works. Another question about Parks and recreation and a report, again at great cost to the township, in 2013, revealed that fair and proportional representation in all communities should be undertaken. While some projects from this study have been completed many recommendations have still no action 3 years later. It was recommended by the CCHT that a Parks and Rec committee be formed post haste to help implement these actions.

Friends of the Harwood Waterfront asked many questions and were very concerned about Council and Staffs apparent continuing lack of support. It was suggested that at the very least especially after a great deal of fundraising on their part and huge obvious push back by current staff and council that the township provide some free park benches and lighting etc at no cost to their committee.

Bewdley Cemetery, listed as an asset to Hamilton Township, it was noted that members of the legion were caring for the grounds at their cost and not the townships. Why?
Fairness when offering funds to all facilities like Cold Springs Hall $10k plus $3k in reserves versus Harwood Hall and Gores Landing Hall who do all of their own fundraising and next to none at Cold Springs. The CCHT believe the favoritism has to and must stop and cease immediately.
A variety of other questions were asked notably about tourism planning and economic development in our amazing community and what funds/grants were being actioned for increased support. It was met with the same answers and diversionary spin by staff.
It also came to light to all present about the some 96 Reserve Funds accounts held by the township to the tune of more than $6.9 million dollars and the action to pair these down to about 50 or so. Our further question is how do you manage that many accounts with any sense of accuracy?
In conclusion many questions and concerns were vaguely answered with little clarity. Most folks did not feel openness and transparency and total dismay with the budget draft and shortened window of opportunity by the public to be a part of the process. We feel there is much work to be done by staff and council so that taxpayers feel they are part of the process. Many other concerns suggestions and ideas were mentioned but with such little time to have reasonable discussion we hope the staff listened to folks present and that actions and concerns will be brought to council for immediate implementation. At the very least we recommend an immediate budget committee formation to include at least 3 members of our community to avoid increased tension amongst our taxpayers.

Citizens Council of Hamilton Township