My View: Zero tax increase needed for Springwater

By Bill French Springwater News November 25 2020

In the last term of Council, instead of having a few long budget meetings, we initiated a program where the budget would be segmented and dealt with in chunks. As the old expression goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”.

Believe me the township budget is an elephant in its own way. This year there are 5 sessions and two of them occurred this week. I encourage you to watch them live and send in your comments. Springwater has had ideal growth for over 20 years, with annual residential growth when averaged, of about 2% which is manageable and sustainable. The focus has been on “need to have” first and then “nice to have” which keeps a municipality an attractive place to live. There must be a balance.

Currently without any program enhancements the proposed tax increase would be just under 2%, which doesn’t sound too bad, but it would be an additional 3% if the requested enhancements are approved, which in these pandemic times, shows a disconnect from reality. The County is planning a zero increase and even though I think we have an out of control education system, our local boards are also planning a zero increase. It begs the question, “What is going on in Springwater?”

Most businesses, that grow, increase efficiency and do more for each dollar. In the last two years, in Springwater, we have had much new tax assessment come on board from the Stonemanor Woods development in Centre Vespra and growth in Elmvale and Snow Valley, which will continue for another few years.

These are not small dollars by any means. In simple terms, it appears we are spending more money than coming in. To be frank, with the dramatic growth Springwater will encounter over the next 10 years, I believe there should be no actual tax rate increases as the new assessment and annual assessment increases will add at least 5% revenue to the coffers annually. If we cannot manage our business with revenues increasing at that rate, something is wrong with the leadership.

I know we have good management at Springwater, as I had the pleasure to work with them for four years. If Council provide direction to staff requesting a zero tax rate increase, I know they can do it, but there has to be some leadership to make that happen. The upcoming meetings which are live streamed are on Mon Nov 30 from 1 to 4 p.m.; Mon Dec 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Weds Dec 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Remember it is our money they are spending and you need to have a say. This year, if for no other reason, Springwater Council has to show leadership and approve a zero tax rate increase.

Bill served as Mayor of Springwater and a County of Simcoe Councillor from 2014 to 2018 and has taught business at the college level for over 15 years.