Data compiled by the team at investigation office Several hundred municipalities show that many Quebec towns and villages have no hesitation in imposing tax increases that outpace inflation. The newspaper met with citizens and mayors of these cities who expressed their point of view.
A beneficiary from Saint-Jérôme who answered the call from François Legault in the worst hours of the health crisis is struggling to digest the recent 9.87% increase in her tax bill.
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“It’s going to be a few hundred dollars more,” sighs Jacinthe Coutu, owner of a home in Saint-Jérôme. “It’s hard to swallow,” she continues.
“It’s suddenly too much because I haven’t seen any real improvements in the city in terms of services. I don’t understand,” she added.
The houses in the area are not cheap. Her 20-year-old daughter still lives in the basement because she can’t find an affordable apartment.
This year, Saint-Jérôme, the capital of transport electrification, is expected to exceed the threshold of 85,000 inhabitants. The average age of the population is 43 years.
“At first I didn’t pay attention to how much I put in the grocery store, but with everything we have to pay for, the payment comes quickly…” exhales Ms. Coutu.
The former administration in question
Questioned by Le Journal, the mayor of the city of Saint-Jérôme, Marc Bourcier, pointed out the negligence of the previous administration.
“The tax freezes have rhymed with the deterioration of infrastructure, buildings and roads, while wages have risen by the same 2%,” he said.
“The streets are ramshackle. We will double the paving over the next three years at a cost of $10 million. People wanted more security on the streets, so we hired 10 police officers,” explained the former MP.
Marc Bourcier mentions paying for a $25 million soccer center. He adds that the 9.87% increase seems high, but houses are still cheaper than elsewhere.
“The increase equates to $250 more per year for the average home,” he concludes.
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