Those miffed about paying higher municipal taxes this year may be able to do something about it–but it will take some leg work.
Legislation is slated to be introduced this spring that would allow taxpayers the right to ask for a referendum on any tax increases, including those imposed by a municipality.
Anyone staunchly opposed could go to the town clerk, set a question that requires a yes or no answer, gather 10 percent of the eligible voters signatures within 180 days and have the question be put on a ballot and be put to the voters.
It would be up to the municipality to foot the bill.
Councils would have an opportunity to address the question before it was put to a referendum.
But Dan Schultz, communications assistant to Transportation minister Tony Clement, said no date had been set yet for this legislation to be introduced.
“It may or may not be part of the agenda this year,” he said from Toronto yesterday.
Clement wrapped up his tour to collect public input on the proposed legislation Friday, but the minister still is getting feedback. After that, Schultz explained, he would make a report to Cabinet and Caucus.
But Fort Frances Mayor Glenn Witherspoon said Monday night he hadn’t heard of any feedback on this year’s tax hike yet.
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