Frank Pullia says he’d like to see water rates frozen over the next couple of years, to give tax payers a chance to catch up.
The Councillor at Large is responding to the City’s impending 2015 budget season – anticipated as one of the toughest in recent years. Pullia says there are different ways to tighten the belt.
“People are already stretched to the max on increasing the water rates,” says Pullia. “Why do we need to amortize the water rates over 15 years? Why can’t we go longer so those that will benefit from the infrastructure can also pay into it?” He adds his priorities for the next four years are consistent with tackling the city’s social issues.
Meanwhile, first-time City Councillor Shelby Ch’ng says she expects to undergo a trial by fire within her first few months. The Northwood councillor says she’s ready to cut her teeth on Council, and prioritize better resource spending.
“Things like Shelter House’s SOS program, which diverts 911 calls, and it saves taxes,” she says. “So I’m looking for efficiencies like that, that I hope to be a part of and make change.”
She adds efficiencies are important to keep the city’s taxpayers in check. (Photo: Caryn Ceolin)
