Any way you look at things: it’s a tax hike

We’re not surprised that Kelowna city council approved a $12,000 boost in salary for the mayor and $3,000 more for each of the eight councillors.

We’re surprised it was unanimous.

With little debate, council voted 8-0 in favour of the increase, designed to offset the effect of federal tax changes.

With an election coming Oct. 20, it could become an election issue. A new council, in theory, could do what Donald Trump is doing now and reverse what was voted on by the previous council. The pay increase won’t begin until Jan. 1.

Coun. Mohini Singh, specifically addressing the media, said, “We’re not taking home any more money. It’s not voting ourselves a raise. It’s voting to break even.”

But, it’s still a $50,000 annual increase to the city taxpayer.

It’s not our problem when the tax laws change. Many of us in the working world are fortunate if we receive a one per cent raise. If we move to a higher tax bracket, we wouldn’t expect our employer to make up the difference.

When you look at $50,000 in the overall budget that the City of Kelowna has, it’s like throwing a shot glass of alcohol into Okanagan Lake. Nobody will get drunk if they swallow the water.

But, to the average taxpayer in Kelowna, or the hard-up person picking up cans and bottles, $50,000 is real money.

Judging by the response on social media, most Kelowna residents are not impressed.

Wayne Llewellyn: “It shouldn’t be about the hourly ‘wage.’ It’s about public service... quite sad people can’t see past that.”

Larry McLean: “Either way you look at it, the taxpayer is on the hook for another hike, at the federal government’s hands. Thanks Justin.”

Nikki Kowalchuk: “I wish I could just vote myself a raise ... unreal.”

In the four years this council has been in office, taxes have doubled compared with the rate of inflation.

They really haven’t made an effort to keep taxes in check.

Voters will have their chance on Oct. 20 to weigh in on this issue.