Hamilton gets below-average grade for taxpayer value

Hamilton remains in the middle of the pack when it comes to providing value for the municipal services the city offers to its residents.

In a report by the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, and published by Maclean’s magazine, Hamilton placed 15th out of 31 Canadians cities that were reviewed in its municipal effectiveness in providing services to taxpayers.

“That’s not too bad,” says Hamilton councillor Sam Merulla. “This is a work in progress. Fifteenth is a good foundation to build upon.”

Coun. Merulla recently has been at the forefront of defending Hamilton’s reputation after a Toronto Star columnist called the city a “dump.

“Perception is reality,” said Mr. Merulla, “but the reality is better than the perception” of Hamilton.

The Ward 4 councillor said Hamilton has had its fare share of financial problems, compounded by the province’s downloading of social services onto the shoulder’s of Hamilton. The city has received since 2003 at least $16 million to offset the social services costs.

“We still have to wait for the province to upload the download of social services,” he said.