Re:Double-billing “error.”
The discovery by a finance committee that taxpayers have been double billed for storm water testing and animal control for at least the last five years is unbelievable. The fact that it took so long for this fiscal mismanagement to come to light suggests a lack of oversight by our elected members and sloppy bookkeeping by paid staff. Apparently the finance committee is recommending a tax reduction for this year to make amends.
I disagree with this solution. Tax increases are subject to the vagaries of changing mil rates, the whims of current council and staff along with the value of your most recent property tax assessments. The overpayments will somehow be buried and never transferred back to taxpayers.
Mr. Mayor and Sooke council, if it is all the same to you, I would prefer that you instruct our finance staff to review the amounts that you have overbilled me for the last five years and cut me a refund cheque.
Taxpayers of Sooke, if you feel that a rebate, rather than some vague future tax reduction is the right solution for you, contact your mayor, council members and finance staff to voice your opinion before they decide for you.
Brian Wallace
Sooke