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Surrey makes taxpayer naughty list

A group representing B.C. Taxpayers says Surrey hoisted taxes in this city after an election saying the contrary.
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Surrey has made the taxpayers' federation naughty list.

Unflatteringly, the City of Surrey has made the naughty list of the watchdog for B.C. taxpayers.

Jordan Bateman, B.C. director of the Canadian Taxpayers' Federation, released his naughty and nice list for 2015.

The group issues a naughty and nice list annually.

Topping the naughty list is the City of Surrey, which raised tax bills substantially, despite election promises to the contrary.

"Fresh off an election campaign where no incumbent mentioned a tax hike, council brought in a new $100 recreation levy, a 2.9 per cent property tax increase and a 28 per cent jump in secondary suite fees," Bateman wrote in his reasoning for placing this city on the naughty list.

"Now Surrey is looking at keeping the “temporary” one per cent road levy, another 2.9 per cent property tax hike, a 3.9 per cent increase in fees and levies, and a 10 per cent jump in the recreation levy."

Mayor Linda Hepner said it's a bit unfair to place Surrey on such a list as this city has some of the lowest taxes on the region.

She also pointed out that Surrey is one of the most efficiently run  cities on several measures.

Bateman said Surrey won't be able to claim that for long if it keeps lifting taxes.

The CTF also placed Victoria City council on the naughty list for several spending mistakes.

Premier Christy Clark also made the naughty list for her hike in the Medical Services Premium (MSP) tax.

Mayor Gregor Robertson also made the list  for his travel expenses.