Dear editor,
RE: Cost/tax savings with solar panels for outdoor pool.
I read with interest the May 31 newspaper article telling of the initiative made by city staffer Allan Gornall in concert with Terasen Gas.
I first would like to congratulate Mr. Gornall for his initiative and Terasen for their willingness to contribute regardless of their spinoff benefits. Our staffers know the services best for which our city and ultimately our taxpayers provide.
We must encourage and acknowledge those initiatives. Well done both Mr. Gornall and Teresan!
Given the heavy tax burden on residential property owners which also trickles down to the renters and the enormous and disproportionate tax burden on our local businesses it is expected that the savings (some estimated $15,000+ per year) made from converting the heating of the Courtenay outdoor pool be turned back into the general revenue to help offset the overall municipal costs, thus reducing the tax burden.
These types of savings might be a reasonable source of revenue which translates into reduction to our local businesses tax burden. It is critical that we all encourage our local business so that we get away from our reliance on government to be our primary employers. By reducing taxes we do encourage economic development and a healthy business sector which in turn translates to more jobs and a balanced tax base.
Mr. Gornall's initiative with Terasen perhaps is also the thin edge of the wedge with business in participating with our local government to find new and more cost effective ways of providing our various municipal services.
There should be a payoff to business for participating in such initiatives and I for one say good on you!
Our elected representatives and our local government staffers are bright, innovative and well connected to the services provided. We congratulate you and encourage you on to initiatives such as the solar panels for our outdoor pool which helps reduce our taxes and saves our environment — and perhaps shine a well-deserved light on a flexible and forward-thinking entrepreneur.
Larry Wenezenki,
Courtenay