Montreal taxpayers recently swallowed the record 2024 budget of $7 billion of the Plante administration. The result is a residential property tax of 4.9%. A cumulative 9% over two years!
In these times of scarcity, the budget should have undergone a slimming treatment. But without success, only for the workforce, 400 positions will be added to the 25,000 employees. Not to mention that year after year, studies reveal overall remuneration 36% higher compared to the private sector. Debt for 2024 represents 108% of income versus 105% in 2023. In short, the pill is still stuck in taxpayers’ throats.
The increase would have been even steeper if the Quebec government had not extended $238 million, an amount lower than that requested by the mayor of Montreal, in order to absorb part of the deficit of the Société de transport de Montréal ( STM). Fortunately, Montrealers are lucky. Like Arsène Lupin, our mayor is a champion in the art of siphoning off Quebec to make up for its deficits. She will thus be able to give $17 million/year to cats and dogs. Homelessness is rewarded with $6.5 million!
STM
But sometimes, Quebec knows how to fight back. Faced with the surge in deficits and irritated to see the generous remuneration of transport company executives, Minister Guilbault imposed external audits on member companies of the Regional Metropolitan Transport Authority in order to find lasting solutions. Fortunately, taken by an impulse of responsible management, the STM announced a reduction in its administration by abolishing 255 positions, representing 5% of the payroll. It therefore appears that services to citizens will be maintained.
The most skeptical, however, remained speechless. They wondered if these deletions did not come a little late. Why this sudden change of direction? Was it the prospect of seeing the result of the external audit arrive? Perhaps the recent HEC Montreal study revealing the higher costs of five transportation companies in Quebec, including Montreal, compared to elsewhere in Canada?
In light of repeated deficits, a legitimate question arises. What is happening within municipalities, especially in Montreal? In recent years, taxpayers have been swallowing an ever-increasing number of pills. Their mouths are bitter. In turn, they note the scandals and controversial expenses: Montreal public consultation office, consumption of bottles of wine – reimbursed as soon as they are revealed –, double bonus to executives. And what don’t we know yet?
Intervention
That said, I am convinced that taxpayers are aware of the extent of the responsibilities assumed by elected officials. Running a municipality requires sacrifices on a personal and family level. You also have to be good, especially to increase taxes after having splashed out on taxpayers’ money, even if they are the trustees.
As such, they have a duty to manage public funds rigorously and thoughtfully. Certainly, mechanisms exist to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of resources. Municipal general auditors carry out several audits, including reporting on specific aspects.
Wouldn’t now be an opportune time for the Quebec government to intervene? While the finances of municipalities are constantly under attack and at a time when they are demanding the expansion of their powers and the powers to finance them – rightly on certain points – it becomes necessary, even obligatory, to review in depth and globally, rather than piecemeal – for example during a scandal – their management model.
Quebec cannot leave its economic capital to its sad fate, even if it is red from edge to edge. Currently, in Montreal, the bill is not only measured in millions of dollars, but also in a heavy moral and ethical price, particularly in the judgment of the use of public funds.
Photo provided by Marlène Casciaro
Marlene CasciaroPRP, ARP, Certified in public relations, Montreal taxpayer