Frustrations Boil Over in Farm Tax Ratio Discussion

Wednesday, 10 April 2019 12:56

County Councillor Don McKay has retracted a statement he made today where he accused the Oxford County Treasurer of lying to the people. Councillor Deb Tait found his comments to be highly offensive.

A heated exchange at Oxford County council today during the discussion over the Farm Tax Ratio.

East Zorra Tavistock Mayor and County Councillor Don McKay accused the County Treasurer Lynn Buchner of "lying to the people" after her report to council. County Councillor Deb Tait addressed the comment in front of council and apologized to Buchner for McKay's remarks. She says she found McKay's comments highly offensive.

"I have no problem if Councillors want to comment to other Councillors, but when you attack staff, I find it completely out of line and very unprofessional. I think he should apologize and I think he should have apologized in the meeting to our treasurer because it was a very in depth report and I think it was very clear and I think he is trying to muddy the waters to try and get people swayed to his side and I find that very disappointing."

McKay did apologize to Buchner after the meeting and he did retract those comments.

"I have to apologize for that statement, in my frustration, it was over the top and I fully retract that."

McKay was upset over the vote on the Farm Tax Ratio. County council rejected a motion to defer the farm tax ratio decision which will remain set at .235 percent. McKay says the farm tax ratio should be in line with the residential tax rate.

"Farmers can expect a 15 percent increase on their taxes for County purposes and the residents will only see a 2% increase and that is the frustration level."

McKay says our tax policies should be aligned.

"I'm frustrated in not being able to align our tax policies with the reality of the farm property assessments. The Province has given us some tools and Oxford County chose last year to exercise that and this year, chose not."