City of Toronto - Proposed New "Roof Tax" Yet Another Example of Covert Tax Gouging lyrics

When former Mayor David Miller brought in the new garbage and recycling bins, taxpayers were given a rebate to keep it cost neutral for the taxpayer and revenue neutral for the City, since taxpayers were already paying the full cost of garbage pick-up on their property tax bill. However, the City has since taken back most of this rebate to the tune of 20 million dollars per year in perpetuity. "This means that taxpayers, who already fully pay for garbage collection through their taxes, are now paying for garbage collection twice, at a time when the cost of this service is significantly lower than previous years," said Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti. Now the Mayor has come up with a new innovative way to separate taxpayers from their money. EX10.26- Funding Options for Paying for Toronto Water's Stormwater Management Capital Fund. What does that mean in plain language? It means that if the tax and spend socialists on Council get their way, starting around 2019, taxpayers with a roof (hard surface) will be paying more taxes ($130-$401 for residential properties) for a service that they already pay for. Currently taxpayers pay one charge for water and wastewater but staff are proposing that the City establish a dedicated stormwater charge. Staff say that this new tax is meant to be revenue neutral. "We have all seen this dog and pony show before, I didn't buy it then and I am certainly not buying it now," said Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti. "I feel that these new taxes and the underhanded way in which they are being implemented is totally unconscionable and I am proud to state that I will be voting against these and all other 'revenue tools', 'revenue streams', 'City Building Funds', 'Behavioural Modification Instruments', and, any other form of unwarranted gouging measure," added Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti.