Markham aims for zero tax hikes

Markham aims for zero tax hikes

Markham

Keely Grasser, Staff Writer

Mayor Frank Scarpitti is challenging town staff and council to ensure you don’t see an increase in your tax bill next year.

“We have been listening to people and businesses,” Mr. Scarpitti said. “We aren’t isolated from economic times and what you’re contending with.”

The mayor said town staff and fellow councillors will be studying ways to prevent an increase.

“I believe the opportunities are there,” he said.

Mr. Scarpitti pointed out the town has hired an auditor general and that staff has been assessing ways to be more efficient.

He said he believes these measures, combined with some new ones, can result in no tax increase.

The budget subcommittee is already meeting, Mr. Scarpitti said. Markham’s budget generally is approved in the spring.

“I’m expecting senior management to come back to show how we can do this while not compromising the services we provide the community,” he said.

Andrew Keyes, president of the Cornell Ratepayers Association, said he supports Mr. Scarpitti’s idea.

He said that many residents are already shocked at the size of their tax bills.

“It doesn’t seem like the economic times for an increase,” Mr. Keyes said.

Greg McCormick, the chairman of the Unionville Business Improvement Area, said his group also supports the mayor’s challenge.

“We’re not only interested in smart developing. We’re interested in smart spending,” Mr. McCormick said, adding the BIA’s only concern would be looking into overspending at Varley Art Gallery and the cost of correcting the unpopular traffic calming measures on some streets in Unionville.

Mr. Scarpitti said no increase next year won’t mean a big increase in years to come.

His council has taken a efficiency-wise philosophy from day one, he said,

The mayor started his term with an inaugural address that talked about value for money, he said, and the need to keep assessing the efficiency of the town’s operations.

“That philosophy and approach doesn’t stop next year or the year after that. It’s an ongoing process,” he said.

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