It's that time of year

Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay  (melodic)

It's tax-increase warnings day.

The first warning (of many over the next four months) appeared today in The Morning Star, headed "Hospital taxes climbing 13.8 per cent", with an amused--or embarrassed--photo of Councillor Dirk providing article symmetry.

"That translates to

 $10 an average house."

 Doug Dirk, Coldstream Councillor

Residents should dust off the property tax abacus and start with $10.00 as a tax increase.  Leave it on the coffee table as the next four months will be chock full of additional tax increase warnings. 

This time politicians are starting with something residents (and hospital staff) had been promised--and clamoured for--for years.  We have a new hospital and it's apparently now time "to begin paying off the debt."

...despite the two top floors remaining unfinished.

"The beads aren't only for counting...they can double as prayer beads," offers Kia.

The stage is set.
Fade to black, as Kia heads out to find an "average house" in Coldstream. 

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 Next installment:

Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay  (melodic)

Parks, Recreation and "Culture" taxes:   1.87 per cent, announced in The Morning Star Dec. 21/12.

"That isn't enough to buy Coldstream that new mower..." sighs Kia.