Dear Editor,
Re: “Was tractor really worth it?” Letters, Aug. 4.
In answer to Donald Flintoff’s letter, no — the tractor was not worth it. Consider, the city will demand total property taxes from 55 $300,000 residential properties to pay for the $50,000 tractor. This equates to the total property tax from 33 $500,000 homes or 17 $1-million residential properties, without adjusting for homeowner grants funded by provincial taxpayers.
Perhaps use of a few shovels and wheelbarrows could achieve the necessary tasks while simultaneously providing fitness benefits at much less cost than working out at the Oweful (Oval).
Recent fires in Richmond resulting from cigarette debris are a disgrace. Do we not have anti-littering bylaws with significant financial penalties? I agree wholeheartedly with Lilian Tiro on the issue of accumulated trash around bus stops. Sadly, Lilian, apparently it is too difficult for many to walk a few more steps to stump those butts and place garbage in the trash. That chore is everyone else’s responsibility.
May I suggest enforcement of significant fines (starting at $500 and escalating with subsequent offences) for violations (regardless of how small the item) coupled with public shaming after the second offence? City taxpayers will appreciate the new source of revenue and reduced city maintenance costs. I hope city management is listening.
Ken McLennan
Richmond
P.S. The above tax revenue details are based on the 2017 Richmond residential mill rate of 3.01422: A $300,000 home attracts taxes of $904; 27 $500,000 homes, $1,507.11; and $1-million homes, $3,014.22 each.
