QUESTIONS FOR MAYOR KROG AND COUNCIL

Follows is a copy of a letter I have sent to Mayor and Council requesting clarity on how city council determines what is a sustainable level of taxation.

I would encourage any interested taxpayer to do the same thing and let this Council know the taxpayer's pocket is not bottomless.

Mayor and Council
City of Nanaimo
455 Wallace Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J6

Dear Mayor Krog and Members of Council,

Re: Request for Clarity on Sustainable Taxation Framework

I am writing as a concerned resident and taxpayer to request a clear and public explanation of how Council determines what levels of taxation are considered sustainable from the perspective of those who ultimately fund the municipality: Nanaimo’s citizens and businesses.

Over the past six years, City of Nanaimo taxes and fees have increased by more than 40%. The most recent 8% property tax hike—when combined with regional, school, and hospital levies—has pushed the annual burden well into double-digit territory for many households. These increases raise serious questions about long-term affordability and fiscal restraint.

In light of this, I respectfully ask Council to provide:
1. The criteria or framework used to evaluate taxpayer ability to pay, including whether household income growth, inflation, and fixed-income impacts are factored in.
2. Any economic modelling or forecasting tools the City uses to assess sustainability of annual tax increases.
3. How Council distinguishes between core service funding needs and discretionary or policy-driven spending when setting the annual tax rate.
4. Whether Council has considered adopting a formal taxpayer affordability index or cap mechanism tied to local economic indicators.

Residents have a right to understand not only what the tax rate is, but how its sustainability is justified—especially at a time when housing, food, and fuel costs are also rising sharply.

I ask that this request be received formally by Council and that the information be shared in a public report or presentation, ideally before the next budget cycle begins.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Here is a short version if you prefer

You can make this YOUR personal letter by adding the facts about how much your taxes have increased. You can also tell your story about how you are being impacted by rising food costs, housing costs, fuel costs etc.

Dear Mayor and Council,

With property taxes rising sharply and many households now facing double-digit annual increases, I respectfully request that Council explain how it determines what constitutes a *sustainable* level of taxation from a taxpayer affordability perspective. Specifically:
- What metrics or frameworks guide this judgment?
- Is household income growth or inflation considered?
- How are discretionary vs core expenses weighed in tax decisions?

Residents deserve transparency and justification when tax increases consistently outpace income growth.

Sincerely,
Your Name
Nanaimo, BC