Ward 11 Alderman Brian Pincott | City of Calgary Office of the Aldermen

Council received the detailed budget information yesterday afternoon, and I immediately got to work reviewing it. I have also been hearing from Calgarians over the past few days, and I expect that to continue. Residents have been contacting my office to let me know of their concerns around the proposed budget and the associated tax increase, as well as the increases in fees.

As I sift through the documents (which are available on the City website www.calgary.ca) the calls and emails are continuing to come in. The volume of correspondence has been formidable - I want to assure you that your comments and concerns are reaching me directly. There will be a public open house being hosted in the Atrium of the Municipal Building on Saturday, November 15th from 10 until 3, a further chance for you to access details on this year's budget. And yes, I know, the Stamps are playing in the western final that afternoon! So, please, take advantage of the various opportunities to find out about the proposed budget.

As I work my way through the budget documents, I will be looking for efficiencies and opportunities to reduce our expenditures in order to reduce the impact on you, the taxpayer. This is the kind of work that you have asked me to do, and one that I have been doing since I started and will continue to do long after this budget time has passed.

In response to those of you that have been asking after the need for an Auditor General at the City - I wanted to say that The City of Calgary does indeed have a City Auditor's Office. The Audits done through the City Auditor are reported through Audit Committe - on which I sit. As a member of this Committee, I am committed to ensuring that we maximize our efficiency and the use of your tax dollars.