So It Cost How Much Again?

 

 

The above chart is London’s 100k Club.  In the last four years we have added almost 200 people to that list at a cost of $31.3 million dollars.  When in 2006 we had only 71 on the list at a cost of $8.9 million dollars.  An increase of almost $23 million dollars per year just in salary and benefits.  To put that in to perspective our esteemed council is telling us in order to have a 0% tax freeze we need to save 90 million dollars over the next four years.  Now keep in mind that number is not set in stone and it also includes the water and sewer charges.  The odd part is that if the 100k club keeps growing the way it has in the last four years , London is going to have to find a lot more than 90 million dollars.  Here’s some other interesting figures to note.

-  The LEDC recommended $1 million towards the video game industry project, council though voted to  spend   $5 million

- The first 32 metal trees came at a cost of approx. $200,000 paid for by the LBDA.  Note though that the LBDA is funded by mandatory fees collected from downtown merchants.

- The UFORE tree counting report cost $255,000

- Springbank dam original budget was $4.2 million to be shared by all three levels of government.  Last total on the project was $6.8 million dollars a 60% increase.  Due to a failed test another $4.5 million to repair, coming up to $11.3 million dollars or almost 170% over budget

- The biotechnology industry forgiven $600,000 in back taxes

- Ambassador London, $2 dollar rent downtown, $100,000 salt dome beautification , even without the beautification the project will cost $342,000 more than originally budgeted, loans to Orchestra London even though it was recommended it was not a good investment, and so forth and so forth

So remember next time your incumbent comes to your door and says vote for me I’ve done a good job so far and I support value for tax dollars, remember what I showed you was just a drop in the bucket.

If your happy with the last four years and reckless spending then stay the course.  If you have had enough then vote Bob Howard on October 25th, and let’s get back on track.