ARTICLE
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Victoria Chamber Puts the Brakes on Transit Tax Increases December 16, 2013 – Victoria, BC –The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce commends Victoria Regional Transit Commission in reconsidering their proposed 12.6 per cent transit property tax increase. The Chamber met with BC Transit representatives as well as made a presentation to the Commission voicing concerns about the proposed 12.6 per cent increase. “We understand the need for operational increases; however, the initial proposal was well beyond increases in inflation and the taxpayers’ ability to pay,” said The Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. “Saving approximately $2.5 million in tax increases is a real win for not only Chamber members but all taxpayers in the Capital region.” The Chamber also recommended allocating additional fuel tax for capital improvements and supports the shift from property tax increases to a two-cent per litre fuel tax. The Chamber has been supportive of HOV lanes and infrastructure improvements (McKenzie interchange) and acknowledges that funding is needed to make that happen. The Chamber continues to advocate for Our Vibrant Community policies which include keeping tax increases and spending within our means; building our quality of life and saving for the future; actively communicating municipal business in a clear and understandable fashion; and working individually and with regional stakeholders to deliver services in the most efficient and effective way. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, with over 1,500 members, is the voice of business for the Greater Victoria region and has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Additional information: Chamber recommendations presented to the Victoria Regional Transit Commission: 1. More realistic budgeting for the Transit commission, current budget is overly cautious, demonstrating flat growth 2. Evaluate the increasing tax base for budgetary purposes 3. Allocate reserve funds to reduce property tax increase 4. Address unproductive service hours 5. Additional gas tax funding be restricted to capital projects For more information contact Janet Crocker Bruce Carter Policy & Communications Manager CEO Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce The Chamber Email: jcrocker@victoriachamber.ca Email: bcarter@victoriachamber.ca Phone: (250) 360- 3476 Phone: (250) 360-3470
MEDIA RELEASE
December 16, 2013 – Victoria, BC –The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce commends Victoria Regional Transit Commission in reconsidering their proposed 12.6 per cent transit property tax increase. The Chamber met with BC Transit representatives as well as made a presentation to the Commission voicing concerns about the proposed 12.6 per cent increase. “We understand the need for operational increases; however, the initial proposal was well beyond increases in inflation and the taxpayers’ ability to pay,” said The Chamber CEO Bruce Carter. “Saving approximately $2.5 million in tax increases is a real win for not only Chamber members but all taxpayers in the Capital region.” The Chamber also recommended allocating additional fuel tax for capital improvements and supports the shift from property tax increases to a two-cent per litre fuel tax. The Chamber has been supportive of HOV lanes and infrastructure improvements (McKenzie interchange) and acknowledges that funding is needed to make that happen. The Chamber continues to advocate for Our Vibrant Community policies which include keeping tax increases and spending within our means; building our quality of life and saving for the future; actively communicating municipal business in a clear and understandable fashion; and working individually and with regional stakeholders to deliver services in the most efficient and effective way. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, with over 1,500 members, is the voice of business for the Greater Victoria region and has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Additional information: Chamber recommendations presented to the Victoria Regional Transit Commission:
1. More realistic budgeting for the Transit commission, current budget is overly cautious, demonstrating flat growth 2. Evaluate the increasing tax base for budgetary purposes 3. Allocate reserve funds to reduce property tax increase 4. Address unproductive service hours 5. Additional gas tax funding be restricted to capital projects
For more information contact
Janet Crocker Bruce Carter Policy & Communications Manager CEO Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce The Chamber Email: jcrocker@victoriachamber.ca Email: bcarter@victoriachamber.ca Phone: (250) 360- 3476 Phone: (250) 360-3470