THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF PORT COQUITLAM C 0 U N C

MEMORANDUM
MAY 1 1978
Mayor and Council April 27th, 1978

Alderman P.F. Ranger

Re: 1978 Budget

Iam of the opinion that Council should limit the percentage increase in
‘revenue through property taxation to 4% over the amount raised in 1977.
In dollars this would be 4% of $4,044,603. or $161,784.
I believe there are several good reasons for limiting the increase in revenue
to 4%. | Firstly, with the change in the Assessment Act this year, many
residents who were previously under assessed and therefore undertaxed, will

. be facing very large increases this year. It would appear from samples

. taken that many of the people adversely affected will be the elderly, living
in.older homes on fixed incomes.

Secondly, unemployment is at record levels this year. Many will not be

able to bear the blow of greatly increased taxes coupled with loss of income.
‘We have in the budget $105,000. as our share towards reconstructing Prairie
Avenue from Shaughnessy Street to Flint Street. The total cost is about
“"$230,000. Since we are not receiving any financial help from the Provincial
Government for this work this year, what is the point of leaving $105,000.
in-the budget?

I-would recommend that we reduce the budget by $80,000. and leave $25,000.
:to hire 2 R.C.M.P. for 6 months. Inspector Young has requested 4 additional
men for the past few years.

-The case for 2 additional R.C.M.P. officers:

The Criminal Case burden per man/per year

1876 .~ 93 cases/man/year

1977 - 110 cases/man/year

‘This is the 3rd highest case load in 16 municipal contracts.

“We have been given statistics that show in the last 16 months crime is
rising sharply. We have been given statistics that show crime clearances
in the last 16 months are declining.

We have also received information compiled by the B.C. Police Commission
that shows the total crime rate, (Criminal Code offenses excluding traffic)

is: