Friday, October 5, 2012
Crowsnest Pass Ratepayers Association
Open Letter to Mayor and Council
The Municipal Government Act states that under general duties of councilors:
(a) to consider the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole and to bring to council’s attention anything that would promote the welfare or interests of the municipality.
This could be interpreted as if only the councilor considers that which would promote the welfare or interests of the municipality and the taxpayer’s input would be meaningless.
There are two types of government, the irresponsible and the responsible. We are currently being led by a group using the irresponsible method. Anyone and I do mean anyone can balance a budget by increasing fees, utilities, licenses, electrical, etc. etc. and rewriting the bylaws which when violated carry a large fine the first offense beginning at $250. Tally up the total increased revenue and add 2.5% to the property tax and voila you have a balanced budget even one that would show a surplus. Such genius!
The second type of governing the responsible method takes some doing. It is a method using common sense, restraint, cutting spending and if needs be to obtain a balanced budget add a minimal amount to the property tax. This method shows a governing body to be accountable and fiscally responsible to the people it represents, the taxpayer.
By increasing everything from soup to nuts, have you considered the burden you are placing upon the seniors of this community? What do we do, email Stephen Harper or Flaherty and tell them that our municipality is nickel and diming us to the extent that we might have to cut back on our groceries, or perhaps cut out one of our prescriptions because our rates went up and we are over budget? I’m sure that they just might consider a $1.50 raise on our pension.
Let’s face the truth of the matter. You have hired a group of strangers (experts) to come to our community and force upon us their ideas and methods in order to teach us how we should live in our own domain. We've been doing pretty well up until now, or so we thought so, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Many people I have spoken with have stated that this isn't Calgary and we do not have to deal with the noise, pace and congestion which in order to curb problems arising from this are forced to pass bylaws. This is not the case here, and if my sidewalk isn't cleared of snow, then it’s because I cleared it and the snowplow came along and covered it up. It seems that since Kevin Robbins and Donna Tona have been on board we have a new bylaw to contend almost every week, no ifs and or buts, it’s a done deal and we have to live with it.
Also, why are you doing everything that covers a period of three years? Has the thought crossed your mind that you won’t be in office then? This council and mayor are suffering from the BIG FROG LITTLE PUDDLE SYNDROME. Get over it and start doing the job you were elected to do instead of harassing your citizens and preying on us. If this is what you consider having our best interests at heart then you certainly have a misconstrued idea as to what good governing is all about. Start being responsible, and show some Government Transparency and we will feel that maybe we are not just cash cows living here for the hell of it.
Marilyn Milley - (on behalf of the Ratepayers Association)
The Municipal Government Act states that under general duties of councilors:
(a) to consider the welfare and interests of the municipality as a whole and to bring to council’s attention anything that would promote the welfare or interests of the municipality.
This could be interpreted as if only the councilor considers that which would promote the welfare or interests of the municipality and the taxpayer’s input would be meaningless.
There are two types of government, the irresponsible and the responsible. We are currently being led by a group using the irresponsible method. Anyone and I do mean anyone can balance a budget by increasing fees, utilities, licenses, electrical, etc. etc. and rewriting the bylaws which when violated carry a large fine the first offense beginning at $250. Tally up the total increased revenue and add 2.5% to the property tax and voila you have a balanced budget even one that would show a surplus. Such genius!
The second type of governing the responsible method takes some doing. It is a method using common sense, restraint, cutting spending and if needs be to obtain a balanced budget add a minimal amount to the property tax. This method shows a governing body to be accountable and fiscally responsible to the people it represents, the taxpayer.
By increasing everything from soup to nuts, have you considered the burden you are placing upon the seniors of this community? What do we do, email Stephen Harper or Flaherty and tell them that our municipality is nickel and diming us to the extent that we might have to cut back on our groceries, or perhaps cut out one of our prescriptions because our rates went up and we are over budget? I’m sure that they just might consider a $1.50 raise on our pension.
Let’s face the truth of the matter. You have hired a group of strangers (experts) to come to our community and force upon us their ideas and methods in order to teach us how we should live in our own domain. We've been doing pretty well up until now, or so we thought so, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Many people I have spoken with have stated that this isn't Calgary and we do not have to deal with the noise, pace and congestion which in order to curb problems arising from this are forced to pass bylaws. This is not the case here, and if my sidewalk isn't cleared of snow, then it’s because I cleared it and the snowplow came along and covered it up. It seems that since Kevin Robbins and Donna Tona have been on board we have a new bylaw to contend almost every week, no ifs and or buts, it’s a done deal and we have to live with it.
Also, why are you doing everything that covers a period of three years? Has the thought crossed your mind that you won’t be in office then? This council and mayor are suffering from the BIG FROG LITTLE PUDDLE SYNDROME. Get over it and start doing the job you were elected to do instead of harassing your citizens and preying on us. If this is what you consider having our best interests at heart then you certainly have a misconstrued idea as to what good governing is all about. Start being responsible, and show some Government Transparency and we will feel that maybe we are not just cash cows living here for the hell of it.
Marilyn Milley - (on behalf of the Ratepayers Association)
Making the numbers work, Crowsnest Pass style.
Lot’s of people keep asking me I see all these new municipal
trucks running around, new consultants coming in every week, it seems like we
are spending money like crazy. Is the municipality going to spend us into a big
hole?
The short answer to that is No they are not, not for now any
way.
The long answer, in politics timing is everything. When the end of 2012 rolls around the books
will be prepared, the auditors will come in one beautiful Tuesday evening in
March or April, administration and the auditors will sit down in front of
council and gleefully announce a surplus of say $300,000 everybody will go home
in the best of spirits. Knowing there will not be another financial statement until
after the next election, no problem that in 2013 the operational budget will
increase by $844,000.
So how do they make the numbers work for 2012? You create wiggle room.
Step 1
underestimate revenue, if you look at the audited financial statements for the
last three years in the two categories Property Tax, User Fees and sales of
goods those make up roughly 75% of the municipalities internal revenue. Revenue
in those areas has exceeded budget by any where from $236,000 to $692,000 each
year for an average of $395,000.
Step 2 this
is a very effective area to create flexibility
in your budget especially when you are going through a lot of turn over or
creating new positions in your organization. This year the municipality had all
kinds of turn over in staff. So here is how it works, you place dollars into
your budget for positions, even though you know that those positions may not be
filled for the year instant wiggle room
we have had a lot this year.
I will lay them out for you and yes I know my numbers will
not be 100% because I am not privy to the salaries of the administrative
positions but I will take my best shot based on my six years of experience on
council;
Manager of Corporate Services-Salary $60,000-$5000 per month-vacant
for seven months, savings $35,000.
Director of Planning/Public Works-Salary $120,000- $10,000
per month-vacant for one month, savings $10,000.
Fire Chief-Salary $105,000-$8750 per month-vacant for eight
months, savings of $70,000.
Manager of Operational Services $90,000-$7,500 per month-vacant
for three months, savings of $22,500.
First Peace Officer $65,000 per year-lets assume only budgeted
for seven months-$38,000-$5400 per month, vacant for one month, savings of $5,400.
Second Peace Officer $65,000 per year-lets assume only budgeted
for seven months-$38,000-$5400 per month, vacant for two months, savings of $10,800.
Building Inspector $58,000 per year-$4,800 per month, vacant
for one month, savings of $4,800.
Mechanic $68,000 per year-$5,700 per month, vacant for two
months, savings of $11,400.
Electrician $75,000 per year-$6,300 per month, vacant for
four months, savings of $25,200.
Accounting $65,000 per year-$5,400 per month, vacant for
three months, savings of $16,200
Second Accounting $65,000 per year-$5,400 per month, vacant for two
months, savings of $10,800.
If you add up all of the savings in each one of those positions,
you come up with a total of $222,100
then remember for every dollar in wages the municipality spends they allow 25%
on top to cover the cost of benefits so that number now becomes $277,625. Now I understand that some of these savings may have been off set by additional overtime but it will not be anywhere near this total.
So easy lets create a surplus this year under estimate
revenues and build room in the Wages and Salaries area.
The key question then becomes what happens when you have a
year where revenues are close to budget, and all of these positions are filled
for the full twelve months? It will not matter to this council because that
financial statement will not be seen until five months after the next election!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Looking for Firemen in the Crowsnest Pass
Crowsnest Pass Fire Rescue
Fire Fighter Recruitment
The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass is recruiting volunteer Fire Fighters. Be part of a progressive and dynamic team that is working for the safety of our residents and protection of our community. We offer competitive training, wages and benefits. Please submit your resume with cover letter to: Steve Munshaw, Fire Chief
Municipality of Crowsnest Pass
PO Box 600
Crowsnest Pass, Ab. T0K 0M0
Or check it out your self @ http://www.town.crowsnestpass.ab.ca/finance-a-administration/employment
I wonder what they mean by competitive training, wages and benefits?
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Update on Fire situation Crowsnest Pass
I am told that 18 of 19 in Coleman have walked out tonight.
Hillcrest and Bellevue will walk midnight tomorrow if Fire Chief is not reinstated, letter of discipline removed and a letter of apology put in place.
Would appreciate anybody confirming either way.
Hillcrest and Bellevue will walk midnight tomorrow if Fire Chief is not reinstated, letter of discipline removed and a letter of apology put in place.
Would appreciate anybody confirming either way.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Latest news coming out of the Crowsnest Pass
Just found this on Facebook anybody know anything about this please confirm one way or the other.
"I just wanted to get the attention of the Sun (Facebook friends the CNP too) on an issue in the Crowsnest Pass today. A 34 year volunteer firefighter (Fire Chief) was fired for reasons other than just cause. Reasons that are completely seemingly fabricated. After the municipal council made the decision to cancel the Blairmore Fire Department's 19th Annual Thunder In The Valley fireworks display they have been looking for ways to remove the head of the Blairmore Fire Department and anyone who is not willing to be bullied by the current Mayor and his puppets. Tonight municipal officials called a meeting with Station 24 (Blairmore Fire Department) explaining what has happened. All 11 members to were able to make the emergency meeting turned in their pagers, quitting the department at the disgust of which a 34 year volunteer was treated."
"I just wanted to get the attention of the Sun (Facebook friends the CNP too) on an issue in the Crowsnest Pass today. A 34 year volunteer firefighter (Fire Chief) was fired for reasons other than just cause. Reasons that are completely seemingly fabricated. After the municipal council made the decision to cancel the Blairmore Fire Department's 19th Annual Thunder In The Valley fireworks display they have been looking for ways to remove the head of the Blairmore Fire Department and anyone who is not willing to be bullied by the current Mayor and his puppets. Tonight municipal officials called a meeting with Station 24 (Blairmore Fire Department) explaining what has happened. All 11 members to were able to make the emergency meeting turned in their pagers, quitting the department at the disgust of which a 34 year volunteer was treated."
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