The editor:
I cannot help but to respond to articles in your paper relating to the positive financial picture concerning the City of Estevan.
In two very short sentences, Giselle Bourgeois of MNP states that the tax receivables have increased from $1.18 million to $1.8 million due to the economy (surprise).
I have to wonder if your city council realizes the burden put on their ratepayers due to the new assessments put on them by the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency in its wisdom.
The reality is that the economy is in terrible shape and that business and residential ratepayers alike cannot afford the increased taxes so willingly put to them.
The other reality I would like to point out is that your council had the power to abate this tax burden but chose not to.
When I drive down Fourth Street and see the vacant store fronts, drive in an industrial area and see the empty shops with four-foot high weeds, and drive through residential areas with the futile for sale signs, I would have to disagree with your assumption that you are doing a great job and everything is rosy.
I would suggest to council you consider giving your citizens and businesses a reduction in the mill rate in order to protect your tax base.
You need these ratepayers to survive. You do understand you are over $30 million in debt?
George Foord.
