Surrey, B.C. (April 15, 2025): During last night’s debate on the city budget, Surrey First Councillor Linda Annis repeated her call for the appointment of an auditor general for the city, something she has been pushing for since 2021.

 

“Today’s uncertain times means city hall should be looking for taxpayer savings instead of spiralling tax increases,” explained Annis who first introduced the idea of an auditor general for Surrey in May 2021. “Every big city in the country has an independent auditor general that helps ensure taxpayers are getting value for money, and savings are found through efficiencies. They ask tough questions and can evaluate programs, which results in better use of tax dollars. The fact is, tax dollars are always precious, and even more during uncertain times like these. An independent auditor general can make sure city hall is efficient and city programs are worthwhile and cost effective.”

 

Annis also said the proposed 2.8 per cent property tax increase passed by the mayor and her councillors is “just the tip of a much bigger tax iceberg” that residents will see on the bottom line of their upcoming tax notice.

 

“To be clear, no one in Surrey is getting a bill for just 2.8 per cent more, so take that number with a big grain of salt any time the mayor boasts about it,” added Annis. “When our taxpayers get their tax notices, their eyes automatically go right to the bottom line and they can see that 2.8 per cent is just the tip of the iceberg.”

 

Annis said an independent auditor general makes a lot of sense, and has a mandate to find savings and efficiencies, something that would give taxpayers confidence in how their tax dollars are being spent.

 

“Take one look at the number of unfunded capital projects listed in this year’s budget and you can see a serious financial gap disguised as a political promise,” noted Annis. “Bragging about those projects, when there is absolutely no financial capacity or plan to fund and complete them, is the ultimate empty political promise. Something that could be called out by an auditor general with an independent mandate to review city finances and programs.”