This is rich!

Where were Councillor Kelly Hall’s concerns about raising taxes when he staunchly supported and pushed through tax increases of $25, $50, $75, $100, and $125 for a Performing Arts Centre, and an undefined multiplex?

At that time, he showed no hesitation in saddling the people of Kamloops with nearly half a billion dollars in debt.

This council was-or certainly should have been-aware of the $2 million shortfall in civic facility maintenance, and of the escalating costs of essential policing; driven by the city’s above-average crime rates. The council was also fully informed and knew of the pressing need for a new police station, as our police force has outgrown its current facilities. Now, they are telling us of an additional 10% increase.

At this pace, by 2030, the tax rate will rise by more than 70%.

Meanwhile, over a quarter of a million dollars (and counting) have been wasted on Code of Conduct investigations —12 of which were filed by Councillor Dale Bass alone-with none amounting to anything of substance.

This council is “buying high and selling low,” practically giving away municipal properties while offering massive tax breaks-including a 20-year tax-free incentive-to specific developers.

And now, Hall is considering cutting services for the residents who have already paid heavily for this council’s poor decisions. What’s next? Closing recreation facilities? Reducing library services? Slashing anything else that makes this city livable?

Here’s an idea: let’s start by cutting the salaries of council members and administrators who seem to have been asleep at the wheel—or perhaps asleep during the meetings where they’ve been making decisions to squander taxpayer money.