The costs of running the municipality since amalgamation have risen dramatically, as have the expectations of service delivery, particularly outside the urban core. Indeed, since amalgamation the municipality has had the largest increase in the history of the community, mostly driven by escalating property assessments. This has lead to significant inequities in taxation. We support the latest tax reform program brought forward to council, which would allocate the tax burden more fairly. We believe that taxes should be more directly linked to the services provided. This would include a basic charge for fire, police and administration plus add-ons for services received. Consideration would also be given to protecting those on fixed or low incomes.