Dear Editor:

In the Merritt Herald this past week (April 14, 2016) City Council determined a property tax increase similar to last year’s two per cent. Homeowner residents pay 47 per cent, business 30 per cent and heavy industrial collecting 19 per cent.

The majority of taxes collected come from the residents.

Councillor Brown made a motion for a zero per cent tax for this year citing that our new businesses have brought in and covered more than the $136,000 needed in extra revenue. But no one would second that motion. Shame on council.

There are many senior homeowners in Merritt who are struggling to live on their small pensions. The OAP determined by the federal government is $1,500 per month. Our increase in pension is attached to the cost of living increase — or 1.37 per cent — which is a small increase that does not even cover the increase expected from taxpayers for this year.

Every year the cost of living goes up. The small increase in cost of living does not cover increases in food cost, let alone other increases in clothing, house and car insurance, home heating, and electricity. There are further increases in medical and pharmaceutical costs and as our eyesight deteriorates, which means increases in check ups and glasses. Then add in the dentures, hearing aids, etc.

The list goes on.

“We” seniors do not have the extra income to satisfy the city, or other corporations who bill us to meet their demands — demands which are no longer based on need, but greed.

A few years ago, property taxes were also billed separately from the water, sewer and garbage amounts and it seems we are absorbing more and more demands annually. You say it is only two per cent, but every service thinks exactly the same way. What you do not seem to understand is that our incomes cannot absorb any more increases.

After retirement, seniors rely on those small increases in pension to keep up to our increase in everyday expenses. But they do not.

After the first couple of years on a retirement income, we can try to live on that amount. However, year after year of increases makes it harder and harder to make ends meet. There is no more room in our budgets to find that extra increase.

We instead have to turn our heat down and decrease the food budget. The only other alternative is to sell our home.

The City of Merritt Council needs to consider the senior residents who have built this town, not put more stress on their pocketbooks. Please support Councillor Brown in her endeavour to speak on behalf of seniors. At the very least, have the courtesy to second her motion so that debate can take place. Maybe then seniors can get a break from taxes that is significant.

Jane Thompson

Merritt, B.C.