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Fiscal Responsibility & Affordability
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The Mayor and Council are announcing massive new projects under the guise of “making progress”, but the real question is: At what cost?
In less than three years, the Township's total borrowing is projected to quadruple, rising from approximately $169 million in 2023 to $668 million in 2025, which represents one of the highest debt loads of any municipality in the province. This unprecedented commitment will cause the debt burden per Township household to surge from $2,978 in 2023 to a projected $10,754 in 2025—an increase of over 260%.
Furthermore, this rapid increase in debt—which is being used to front-load capital projects and is being borrowed against possible future development fees—has been criticized for a "fundamental lack of transparency" regarding how it will be repaid. Decisions like a $75M loan for unspecified strategic land acquisitions, as well as the contentious 6.88% property tax hike in 2024—a jump that was well above core inflation—have deepened public frustration and left taxpayers with an unclear picture of their future liability.
Compounding these financial concerns, the Township paid out over $1.8 million in severance packages to senior staff in 2023, contributing to a substantial rise in the wage bill without a clear increase in service levels, raising serious questions about the efficiency and prudence of public spending.
My Commitment to Financial Responsibility
This current debt path is not sustainable. We must restore financial order and public trust by instituting robust oversight and clarity in all financial decisions. During my time as Councillor from 2014-2022, we maintained strong financial health with low property tax increases and championed transparent budgeting tied to inflation and fiscal responsibility.
I want to build on this experience and advocate for stronger budget oversight processes, including establishing an auditor general and conducting a forensic audit to identify inefficiencies. I'll push for regular financial reports so residents can know exactly how resources are spent, where priorities lie, and how debt is managed. I’ll also prioritize projects based on community need and financial capacity.
The benefits are significant:
✅ Eliminated wasteful spending
✅ Efficient use of tax dollars
✅ Transparent government
✅ Program accountability
✅ Enhanced public trust
I support a framework that emphasizes clarity, accountability, and responsible spending. By ensuring transparent budgets, open decision-making, and proper project prioritization, we can rebuild trust with residents and secure the Township's financial future.
See Key Financial Highlights
Yes, new facilities and projects are being announced, but this progress has and will come at the cost of your household's financial safety and the Township's long-term stability.
The financial figures above are not speculation; they are sourced directly from official public documents noted below. My team and I have analyzed the Township's financial performance and compared it to six peer municipalities in the Lower Mainland. The data reveals concerning trends that every resident should know and have access to.
It’s time to restore fiscal common sense. Your tax dollars deserve nothing less.
References:
Township of Langley: Township Makes Significant New Investments
Langley Monitor: Woodward’s Sinkhole of Debt Threatens to Swallow Langley Township
Langley Monitor: Township Taxpayers Pay Over $1.8 Million in Severance for Senior Staff Dismissals
Langley Union: Can Langley Township Keep Up with Its Own Growth?
Langley Chamber: Langley Township Moves Forward with 6.88% Property Tax Increase for 2024 Budget
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