Enjoyed your editorial about "expensive cheerleaders," Jan. 30 Citizen. I could not agree more.
It immediately brought to my attention the experience the last time I was at city hall. Due to an error on my part, I forgot to inform them that I was claiming the homeowner's grant on my latest residence as I sold the house I previously claimed the grant on. My property taxes are combined with my property mortgage. To makea long story short, I overpaid my 2017 taxes by $1.031.
I emailed the city the necessary paperwork. A couple of days later, being in the neighborhood I went to city hall to see when my refund would take place. The lady at the counter verified that everything was in order and my refund was approved. I asked when can I expect it. She stated it will take six weeks.
Astounded, I asked why would it take six weeks.
The reply was that they were extremely busy. I told her I'm a senior citizen (75 years) and could use the money. Her reply was "sorry"! I was there about 10 minutes at about 2 p.m., there was nobody else in the queue and there were at least five other staff members there chatting and having coffee.
During this same time period, I was "trying" to get a refund from Revenue Canada on my 2014 taxes. On that year's return I hit the wrong box (Turbo Tax) and got taxed on my gross rental income and not on the net rental income. Very easy to verify, especially when CRA has all my documentation. They received my amended tax return on Dec.14, 2016.
I made numerous calls (that's when I could get through on their phone system) starting February 2017. Promises, excuses,etc. (most of the times they are
extremely busy). Seems I heard "extremely busy" before. As you are well aware the CRA phone system and their service were headlines in the news media. I was one who got trapped in their mess. It took them ten months to finally send me my refund!
I spent over 40 years in the mining industry, three years on a railway project in Africa. By profession I'm an accountant. Before I retired I was the administration superintendent at Huckleberry Mines southwest of Houston. Accounting and human resources were my responsibility. We had 220+ employees, all payroll including head office employees was done at site, all purchasing and payments was done at site. On the accounting side I had two employees in addition to myself.
I need someone to tell me why it takes the city six weeks to get a cheque out and why the CRA needs 10 months?
I don't always agree with Conrad Black's articles but I'm with him on the public sector being "underworked, overpaid, over pensioned and over unionized." I'm not sure about the "over unionized' being part of his statement but he has had articles on this.
I enjoy your editorials but as with Conrad Black's do not always agree. I value other people's opinions and it makes for interesting conversations. During my career I started out as a union member before getting my degree and going into management. I learned there are two sides to every story and it also helped me to be more understanding.
Should I wait to hear the City and CRA's side? At my age I have to admit my patience is wearing out.
Frank Zubek
Prince George
