Berry Vrbanovic
City/Township Council · Kitchener
Back to candidatesThis candidate finalized their responses after this guide and scoring methodology was published.
Budget & Taxes
Do you think the Region's or municipality's budget process should be more transparent and accessible to residents?single choice
It is already sufficiently transparent and accessible
Municipal and regional costs have generally risen faster than revenues restricted by property tax rules and limited local revenue tools. How would you balance tax increases against maintaining service levels and long-term financial sustainability?select up to 3 per part
A. Revenue approaches
- Moderate, predictable tax increases to maintain service levels
- Actively pursue provincial and federal transfer funding and grants
- Align any possible tax increases with Ontario inflation rate
D. Growth & cost recovery
- Re-evaluate development incentives or subsidies that create long-term liabilities
- Maintain current growth and cost-sharing approaches
B. Service levels
- Adjust service delivery models to reduce costs without reducing access
- Reduce discretionary programs to protect core services
C. Capital & infrastructure
- Prioritize maintenance and state-of-good-repair over expansion
- Require lifecycle cost analysis before approving any new infrastructure
Please describe one concrete example of a trade-off you would support (or oppose) when costs rise faster than revenues.candidate's own words
rejecting a service fee or user charge