Raise the Hammer
Our city councilors are again wearing their micro-managing hats.
After canceling Aquafest and saving $95,000, it seems they are having debate after discussion over what to do with this huge budget allocation.
Pay down our debt? Use it for tax reduction? Buy a bunch of calendars?
Let me put this into perspective.
The Corporation of The City of Hamilton is a one billion dollar a year company. The money saved from canceling Aquafest is one ten-thousandth of the annual budget. To further put this into perspective, this is like a person that earns $50,000 a year worrying over what to do with five bucks.
Hold on a minute while I call a family meeting. We need to discuss what to do with our five bucks for the next year. Should we put it toward our mortgage or buy a dozen donuts?
Why can't the city find another sponsor to replace RBC? The benefits of a successful event like Aquafest, in the middle of summer on our waterfront, far outweigh any savings $95,000 can offer when applied to tax reduction.
[Aside: Bill Fenwick, the city's Director of Recreation and Culture, complained that Aquafest "was not attracting outside residents and it was becoming a community event." Heaven forbid. -Ed.]
But get ready for a fierce debate from council. This could either lower every household's tax bill by less than a dollar or invest in an event that shows off Hamilton's waterfront and provides free fun for the families of Hamilton in the summer.
By Steeltown (registered) | Posted March 15, 2005 at 02:36:21
The City is planning to take the money from Aquafest and put it towards Port Days that will run around August.
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