Fiscal Responsibility
When it comes to Town services, I believe in a process of continuous
improvement. Council and staff must continue to work together to ensure
that resources are wisely managed.
- The Town of Markham is now completely debt free. During the
past three years, we have kept tax increases below the rate
of inflation (2.9 % in 2001, 3.4% in 2002 and 1.5% in 2003).
- In 2002, the Town initiated
a Core Services Review to re-evaluate all support services. We
were able to reduce costs and improve program
revenues for a net benefit that is forecast to be approximately $3
million this year.
- Markham has one of the Province’s most balanced municipal
tax systems across classes. “Markham really is to be applauded
for its system,” said Judith Andrew, Ontario Vice-President, Canadian
Federation of Independent Business. “It not only shows a great
sensitivity to the needs of local business, but it’s a smart
municipal policy in that it gives the Town a real competitive advantage.”
- A
centralized Contact Centre for customer service was launched in 2003.
Members of a highly trained team are ready to respond to resident’s
calls, and identify important new issues as soon as they arise.
- eMarkham was launched in 2002 to provide online registration services
for all Recreation Department programs and courses. As Mayor
of Canada’s High-Tech Capital, I believe that the Town must
remain at the forefront in using technology to make government services
more
accessible and cost-effective.
- In 2002, Markham received the National
Quality Institute’s
Progressive Excellence Program Level
II Award for outstanding customer
satisfaction, process improvement, staff communications and long-range
planning. Markham was one of only two municipalities in Canada to earn
this award!
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