th Mayor Deb Walters Message July 17 2012 In the past two weeks in particular; there has been a lot

of interest and discussion around the issue of taxes. I want to emphasize to all our citizens regardless of what you have been told; no nal decision has been made with regards to taxation rates at this time. I always look at our Citizens comments, criticisms and suggestions as a positive This Council more than any other council I have seen in the past, encourages citizen engagement. It has been my experience that during the budget process we are lucky to see 2 or 3 residents show up the advertised, open and public business planning meetings; so if this helps to make people aware and participate and understand why we make the decisions we doIts a good thing! On July 3rd. Council approved the Business Planning Guidelines for the 2013 2017 Planning Cycle. The City prepares a ve year nancial plan as required by the Community Charter. Each year our City Staff prepare a Business Plan for the following year. In the fall when Staff presents those Business Plans accompanied by a budget; this council will review, discuss and determine what the outcomes will be to best serve our City. We have sent a clear message to staff to bring back a conservative budget without cutting services, provide us with more detail and look at ways to provide more options for public engagement. Additionally, the City will be conducting a Citizen Satisfaction Poll in early fall including questions with regards to taxation. I encourage our residents to participate should they be called upon. According to the Summary of Survey Results for 2011 (BC Assessment Roll for Single and Multi Family Dwellings) Pitt Meadows taxes are the second lowest Metro Vancouver! This Council recognizes the need to be scally conservative. I want to assure our residents that we will be responsible in the decision

making process to assure our city remains strong and prosperous. Once again, I want to emphasize that no nal decision has been made with regards to taxation rates.