So You Want a 0% Tax Increase?
A 0% tax increase may sound responsible, but if the cost of providing services continues to rise, those costs do not simply disappear. They are often deferred through reduced reserve contributions, delayed maintenance, postponed infrastructure renewal, or stretched staffing capacity, leaving future taxpayers to pick up the bill.
This article looks at the relationship between taxes and service levels, why CPI is often a poor measure of local government cost pressures, and why Councils and Boards seeking lower tax increases need to have an honest conversation about the services they provide, the level at which they provide them, and the risks of pushing today’s costs into the future.
Good Decisions Start with Good Questions: Why Financial Literacy Matters for Newly Elected Officials
Financial literacy helps elected officials move from uncertainty to confidence. By understanding the financial framework and asking the right questions, they can make informed decisions that balance today’s needs with the future of their community.
Local Government Finance Staffing: Why the Warning Signs Are Now a Crisis
Local government finance is facing its most significant staffing challenge in decades.
Across British Columbia, municipalities are struggling to recruit and retain finance staff. Burnout is rising, vacancies remain unfilled for months, and institutional knowledge is disappearing. Thirty-four percent of BC finance departments report being understaffed compared to their budgeted full-time equivalents (GFOABC BC, 2023).
This isn’t just a staffing issue — it’s a financial sustainability and governance issue. Without intentional action, the pressure will continue to grow.