The objectives of the association are to:
Maximize the value of every tax dollar spent
Keep tax increases at or below the rate of inflation
Ensure the focus of City council is on core services
Promote transparency in all aspects of Municipal Governance
Promote the positive aspects of a smaller municipal government
In addition, other complementary purposes not inconsistent with the above objective
s. Membership is open to all taxpayers who live and work within the City of Greater Sudbury, and is divided into three types of memberships Private Property Owners, Tenants, and Commercial Businesses. As the association grows we will continually expand the areas that we monitor and report on to our membership. We plan to have a section for each of the wards and the Mayor’s office that will track such things as meeting attendance, voting records and where they stand on issues that matter to the taxpaying public. We encourage our members to get involved in the association and take on a position as a Ward Watcher and become an advocate for your ward. We will have a number of committees which will shadow city committees such as Budget, Audit, Transit, public works, if you wish to become a member of a particular committee that interests you please let us know. The GSTA is also involved with formulating a larger association of Tax/Ratepayers Associations throughout Northern Ontario. At the present time, the GSTA is working collaboratively with the Sault Ste Marie Ratepayers Association and the Espanola Ratepayers Association on matters of mutual concern and interest as they relate to municipal governance.
