Little wonder that Saanich taxes have been rising more than three times faster than inflation – and, will keep rising – until Saanich council raises its expectations to match those faced by the rest of us.
Until then, Saanich’s “status quo” corporate culture will offer no tax relief and little support to staff who strive for excellence, who could contribute to this relief.
Buried in the July 20 council meeting: A staff request for council to set budget guidelines for 2016. This may seem trivial. It is not.
Once the guidelines are set, the die is cast for the 2016 budget. It is also an opportunity for council to raise expectations of staff and foster a culture of excellence.
Saanich staff presented their request on the basis that council should view the issue as simply allowing cost escalation, or reducing services. Where is the expectation that staff stretch tax revenue pennies, do more with less, innovate, become more efficient and competitive ... like the rest of us? Why should expectations of Saanich staff be so much lower than for the rest of us? That the taxpayer do all of the belt tightening and they be exempt?
Fortunately council has deferred discussion of budget guidelines until its next meeting, providing an opportunity for council to raise expectations of staff and foster a culture of excellence ... and time for taxpayers to voice their concerns.
Bob Furber
Saanich