Merchant Darrin Super says the District of Houston council must reconsider any idea of raising taxes this year.
It’s the second year in a row Super from Bulkley Valley Home Centre has counselled against an increase at a time of other rising costs and increased uncertainty.
“In the 10 years I have been in Houston and managed my place of business, I have never seen our sales this low,” Super wrote in a March 28 email to council.
“I’ve had to pull hours back from my staff, adding additional financial strain on them as well as look for other ways to lower my expenses.”
“We are in very turbulent times, sales are down, expenses drastically increased and theft is at an all time high, all asking it a challenge to run a business in Houston.”
He encouraged all council members to circulate within the business community to get an idea of what is going on. One councillor, Super, added does do that.
Super’s email is part of the comment the District of Houston has invited residents to make as it prepares its 2024 general operating and capital project budgets. They will become part of a five-year financial plan council is obligated to put in the form of a bylaw for passage and adoption this spring.
So far, council is considering an overall property tax increase of four per cent, the same as last year, although there has already been intense debate among council members.
Opposition to raising property taxes also centres around the ongoing uncertainty as to Canfor’s plans to replace the sawmill it closed down more than a year ago.