New West Council’s Lack Of Curiosity Regarding $13.8M Capital Budget Adjustment Should Concern Taxpayers Says Folka

A recent report by the City of New Westminster revealed the city’s largest and most costly infrastructure project is now significantly overbudget

New Westminster (June 25, 2022): On June 13, New Westminster Mayor and Council approved a city staff report seeking $13,800,000 more for it 2022 Capital Budget without any debate or discussion. The report containing information regarding the budget adjustments was accepted on ‘consent agenda’ which meant there was no public debate or discussion regarding the financial implications to residents and local business owners.

The New West Progressives (NWP) believes New Westminster taxpayers deserve to know why Mayor and Council chose to effectively bury this major financial item. $8 million of this adjustment is attributed to the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre which is still under construction.

With only 20% of the budget spent, the new aquatic centre is already 15% over-budget – Rick Folka, NWP Council Candidate

“New West taxpayers deserves to know why they are on the hook for an additional $13.8 million,” says NWP mayoral candidate Ken Armstrong. “We have heard loud and clear on doorsteps that value for their tax dollars is a major concern for New West residents, even more concerning during this time of high-inflation. By any measure, that is a significant amount of money, and we can only be left to question why Council chose not to discuss this.”

“With only 20% of the budget spent, the new aquatic centre is already 15% over-budget,” says NWP council candidate Rick Folka, CPA, CMA. “Taxpayers are now asked to pick up the tab while paying more for everything else. Why did Council hide this from New West residents? Do they know the significance of this? Or did they simply not care due to the lack of fiscal concern?”

The NWP is committed to addressing local civic concerns, which includes being accountable to residents on all fiscal and budgetary matters. If elected in this fall’s municipal election, the NWP is committed to maximize value for tax dollar for residents and at the minimum present and discuss the City’s financial status on a quarterly basis.