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Platform Quick Read

Thomas Svob, Ward 2 Councillor Candidate


Platform –  Transparent, Accountable and Fiscally Responsible Government

My role on council will be to represent the interests of Ward 2 residents.   I will strive to improve oversite of Town spending.  Bring in proper budget preparations and review techniques.  Establish robust financial performance reviews against budget plans and break this down by department leaders.  


Promote multiple year financial planning horizons which will require cash flow outlooks providing visibility to future surplus/deficits.   This will encourage better decision making by Council and transparency to the public on multiyear priorities of the town


I will  establishing a quarterly "Town Hall" series. These will be one-hour face-to-face meetings for Pelham residents to discuss issues, share updates, and answer your questions directly.

For more details on my goals please visit  GOALS  


Past Town Finances

Since 2022; the past four years under the current Mayor and Council:

  • Pelham Property taxes increased 18%.  Average 4.5% per year
  • Tax assessment growth has averaged 2.1% per year which normally lowers taxes
  • Pelham operating budget increased 27%. Average 6.6% per year
  • Inflation totaled 13% or average 3% per year
  • The Town has been approving spending levels twice that of inflation.
  • Our council voted to pay a “Hospital” tax of starting in 2026
  • The Meridian Community Centre Consolidated annual dollar losses are $1,480,000.  This has been increasing steadily.  It is now 6% of the Town operating budget.  We need to act now to ensure the MCC gets financially healthy and is with us for decades to come.
  • Surpluses have totaled $30 million for four years (2025 $4.7, 2024 $8.3, 2023 $9.2, 2022 $7.6).    Surpluses are extra taxes that the Town did not need to pay its bills. In the worst light surpluses are simply poor budgeting/poor execution of plans.  In the best light surpluses are an advance collection of taxes from property owners. 
  • The most recent four years of surpluses, $30 million averaged 40% of the same four year property taxes
  • Town “Reserves” are at $11.9 million.  These taxes, collected in advance, are funds set aside for specific purposes by council.   Some of these specific purposes may be dubious.


Future Town Finances

  • Town looking to borrow $8 million in 2026 and more in future years.  Servicing costs expected to total $6.5 million over the next four years
  • East Fenwick development will add 830+ homes to the Fenwick area.  Over the next four years this will cost all Pelham taxpayers $6.4 million in interest and capital charges.  It will put increased pressure on our traffic dilemma.


Other

  • Traffic and the Official Plan:  In the recently provincially approved Official Plan there is no long-term plan for dealing with traffic congestion.  Our current Mayor and Council are not leading on this issue.  
  • There is a lack of proof demonstrating financial accountability.  The Mayor and Council have not required the CAO to make any comparisons of actual spending to budget.  The CAO does not have processes that hold his people accountable for their financial plans and spending.



For more information on town finances and the issues we face please visit

Numbers to Know.     Understanding Surpluses.    Understanding Reserves.  Surpluses in Perspective.

New Borrowings and increased taxes.     Meridian Centre Deficits.   Traffic and a lack of direction.   Intensification