Dear Editor,

The new budget in the Municipality of Pontiac was tabled with approximately a 50 per cent increase on business taxes.

The mayor’s explanation for the additional taxes on businesses is that she felt that it was unfair to spread it equitably between business, residential and farms because it would have been an unjust strain on them.

When questioned “Why the businesses?”, she referred to the tax rate in big cities which have an endless number of customers walking in the door to purchase goods and services.

When questioned why there was such a high increase, she explained that due to the floods that we had lost homes and that for the first time in many years our tax base was smaller (less revenue coming in).

Instead of tightening our belts and trying to maintain the budget at last year’s rate, she exceeded this year’s budget by approximately $500,000. This does not include the three year triennial of capital expenditures which may be purchased this year. Thereby, guaranteeing that taxes will increase next year. I shudder to think who is going to shoulder these increases.

Seeing as there are less people in the municipality due to the floods, my taxes should be going down because I will have less customers due to the floods and tornado.

Why is it that in lean times you just spend more?

Remember your local businesses are not evil entities or multi-national businesses. They are your friends and neighbours that support the community groups in the area.

Melvin Maxsom

Pontiac, Que.