Dawson Creek Ratepayers oppose borrowing bylaw

Thursday, November 19, 2009

The President of the Dawson Creek Ratepayers says he's counting down the days until voters head to the polls for the borrowing bylaw referendum.

Chartered Accountant Brian Downie says he and other Ratepayers oppose the proposal from the city, to borrow 9.9 million dollars over the next three years.

But, he says the City should begin weaning itself off of Fair Share for the next ten years, to prepare for the expiration of the agreement in 2020.

Meanwhile, he argues that the city doesn't need to borrow the money because it generates enough through property taxes. But, Dawson Creek Mayor Mike Bernier says Dawson Creek ranks 64th in the province for highest property taxes. Bernier says that on average, Dawson Creek's taxes are $2,927, similar to Fort St. John's $2,927.

Downie says he isn't convinced.

If the city gets the go-ahead from the community, it will use the money for capital projects like repairing roads and buildings. The referendum is held on Saturday, November 21st from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Encana Events Centre.

For more information from the Dawson Creek Ratepayers, Click Here.

For Mayor Mike Bernier's take on the referendum, Click Here.