ARTICLE
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City Report Reinforces Chamber Call for Sustainable Budgets March 7, 2012 – Victoria, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce agrees with a City of Victoria report that highlights the need to manage municipal finances in a more sustainable way, but is concerned that continually slashing capital budgets and reserves will only make things worse in the future. “For sometime now tax hikes have been far in excess of the GDP, average wage increases or any other economic indicators available.” said Bruce Carter, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “Most businesses and residents have had to adjust the way they operate in the current environment, finding ways to do more with less. The Chamber recognizes the tough economic conditions that the region has faced, and we believe that there needs to be a stronger emphasis on controlling spending amongst all municipalities, and a serious look at how those services are delivered.” The Chamber’s ongoing “Our Vibrant Community” campaign focuses on the pillars of affordability, accountability, transparency and collaboration. Supported by an overwhelming number of successful Councillors in the last municipal election, the Chamber’s initiative calls for municipalities to: Keep tax increases and spending within our means Cap municipal budget increases at the rate of real GDP growth plus a factor for population growth and inflation Fund new program spending out of current operational savings Create programs to examine service delivery models for new and existing programs Build our quality of life and save for the future Focus operational spending on core municipal service priorities Allocate sufficient funds to address aging infrastructure Clearly identify core and discretionary municipal services The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce with nearly 1,500 members and is the voice of business for Greater Victoria, and has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. -30- For more information contact: Cheryl Wirch-Ryckman Bruce Carter Interim Manager of Member Communications Chief Executive Officer Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Email: cwirchryckman@victoriachamber.ca Email: bcarter@victoriachamber.ca Phone: (250) 383-7191 x203
MEDIA RELEASE
City Report Reinforces Chamber Call for Sustainable Budgets
March 7, 2012 – Victoria, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce agrees with a City of Victoria report that highlights the need to manage municipal finances in a more sustainable way, but is concerned that continually slashing capital budgets and reserves will only make things worse in the future.
“For sometime now tax hikes have been far in excess of the GDP, average wage increases or any other economic indicators available.” said Bruce Carter, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “Most businesses and residents have had to adjust the way they operate in the current environment, finding ways to do more with less. The Chamber recognizes the tough economic conditions that the region has faced, and we believe that there needs to be a stronger emphasis on controlling spending amongst all municipalities, and a serious look at how those services are delivered.”
The Chamber’s ongoing “Our Vibrant Community” campaign focuses on the pillars of affordability, accountability, transparency and collaboration. Supported by an overwhelming number of successful Councillors in the last municipal election, the Chamber’s initiative calls for municipalities to:
Keep tax increases and spending within our means
Build our quality of life and save for the future
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce with nearly 1,500 members and is the voice of business for Greater Victoria, and has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
-30-
For more information contact:
Cheryl Wirch-Ryckman Bruce Carter
Email: cwirchryckman@victoriachamber.ca Email: bcarter@victoriachamber.ca
Phone: (250) 383-7191 x203