With local businesses facing an average commercial tax increase of 8 per cent this year, the Chamber of Commerce is wondering whether the District of Squamish cut as much as the could from this year's budget.
"I can only hope they have cut as deep and as much as they possibly could," said Ron Anderson, chamber president.
"But they are still on the deficit side. From my point of view right now they started this with a $3 million deficit, which was disgraceful. I give them credit for getting it down to a $1 million deficit. But with this being a growing community and if it were handled accordingly, I would hope that you'd be able to hold the [tax percentage increase] at zero," said Anderson.
That million-dollar deficit will be balanced by the commercial tax increase, which is actually a slight decrease in the commercial mill rate, coupled with an 11 per cent increase in the average residential tax rate. The average business will see its tax payment rise by $283 to a total of $3,723.
Anderson says that while he understands services must be paid for, what services should be funded year to year should always be questioned.
"Have they got their spending under control?" asked Anderson.
While the operating budget is now balanced, the capital budget will be paid for primarily through reserves and long-term debt. Coun. Greg Gardner estimated this year's capital deficit to be $5 million.
"These ongoing deficits are not sustainable," said Gardner.
Anderson concurs.
"They have to take into account their revenues and taxes and be extremely prudent and aware of their fiscal expenditures going forward," said Anderson.
Gardner, along with councillors Corinne Lonsdale, Mike Jenson and Raj Kahlon, has suggested that while the budgeting process for this year may be over, that ongoing revues for any major projects that are part of this budget should continue throughout the year, possibly leading to further spending cuts.
From a business standpoint Anderson feels that is a step in the right direction.
"Reviewing exactly what is going on and constantly checking that they are getting the best value for the dollar and ensuring major projects are looked at on an ongoing basis, if they go that route, that's one thing I can say is good."
