A few questions to ponder, before jumping on the curbside recycling pick up program.
One might ask, what will curbside pick-up cost the rural taxpayers? We hear $60, then $80, even $120 increase in taxes for curbside pick-up. Who will make up the tax loss from the businesses in the regional district, should the boundary expansion of Gibsons into the regional district be successful? Do we need extra trucks on the highway stopping to pick up the recyclables, thus impeding traffic? How will homes that are out of the way be serviced? If not serviced, will they also be taxed? Should an area have the right to opt out of the curbside pick-up program?
Add up all the tax increases that are in store for us this year to get a picture of what the coming tax bill may look like. Can we afford higher taxes?
Remember, your regional district area director represents you in making decisions at the board table. He or she may be interested to hear your thoughts on these issues.
Vel Anderson
Elphinstone
