Wazhma Frogh

City/Township Council · Kitchener

All topics Housing Getting Around Climate Food Growth & Planning Budget & Taxes

Budget & Taxes

Do you think the Region's or municipality's budget process should be more transparent and accessible to residents?single choice

It should be more 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

Prioritize not increasing taxes and service fees
Actively pursue provincial and federal transfer funding and grants
Exploring new local revenue tools where permitted by provincial legislation

D. Growth & cost recovery

Ensure new development pays a greater share of long-term infrastructure costs
Re-evaluate development incentives or subsidies that create long-term liabilities

B. Service levels

Maintain current service levels, even if taxes rise

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

I would prioritize protecting essential frontline services and programs residents rely on, while delaying lower-priority capital projects or non-essential spending when costs rise faster than revenues. I would not support across-the-board cuts that may save money in the short term but create greater social and infrastructure costs later.

Would you like to provide any additional context for your views on budgets?candidate's own words

Municipal budgets should be presented in clear, plain language, with accessible breakdowns showing residents where revenues come from, how tax dollars are spent, and how major spending decisions affect services and property taxes. I would also support more opportunities for residents to provide input earlier in the budget process, before key decisions are finalized.