Relieve the taxpayer, council

Richmond - The Editor, Re: "Tax bid beaten down," News, Dec. 4. For those councillors who voted against a 1.96 per cent property tax increase for 2014 because they felt the reserve needed a top up - think again.The one per cent difference apparently equates to $1.74 million. It's reported that 2013 will provide an expected, ridiculous $6.7 million surplus (over taxation), double last year's insane surplus.Rather than directing this money to a wish list for various department spending, council could cover the one per cent "reserve" contribution for the next three years, providing taxpayers with some welcome relief. But, of course, this logic would have a dramatic impact on this administration's huge appetite for spending.This administration had a similar opportunity to provide taxpayer relief when the oval was in its early planning stage. The adjoining property sale brought in more than a $100 million windfall to the city.Council gave a brief thought to eliminate the one per cent top up for the year, but the greedy group realized it would cut into their spending habits, so tough luck taxpayer.This administration has consistently run surpluses (over taxation) for more than 20 years, which could have easily been used to reduce the annual tax hike by one per cent each year.Taxpayers should be asking if this strategy is intentional or are the bean counters just that incompetent? A recent report advises the city is spending $3.2 million on various projects, the funding, of which, comes from a previous budget surplus (over taxation). Another two years of possible "reserve" top up.Councillors, if you don't get your spending habits under control, you will have a hard time trying to convince me that you are unable to provide taxpayers with a one per cent tax relief most years. Your over taxation more than covers the top up each year and should rightfully be returned to us.Barry BlackRichmond