December 18, 2009

Final budget protects homelessness and environment programs; restores library funding

Vancouver City Council approved the 2010 operating budget today, which protects key priority areas like homelessness and the environment, as well as ensures that library services are maintained.

Council approved the City’s Corporate Management Team recommendation that exempt staff give up 1% of their 4% salary increase slated for 2010, a move that will save the City $650,000.

“This budget protects our top priorities: homelessness, the environment, public safety, and the arts,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “The recommendation from the CMT for exempt staff to scale back their pay increase by 1% provides us with some more flexibility in a challenging budget to reduce the impact on staff, and recognizes the difficult financial situation we are in.”

“After hearing from the public, it is clear to me that the best use of these savings is to help our libraries cope during these challenging times. Libraries serve some of our most vulnerable populations and it is crucial that we support them. I’m very pleased that this budget will make sure we minimize the impact on library hours, and that there will be no early closure of the Riley Park branch.”

Specific adjustments to the 2010 budget included:

• • Increased funding for the retention of the Riley Park Library Branch by $153,000
  • Increased funding to VPL branches serving vulnerable populations by $192,000
  • Increased funding to the VPL Central Library to retain current operating hours by $419,0000
  • Allocation of $500,000 to fund the City’s emergency shelter program on an ongoing basis

The final budget approved includes increases to the Vancouver Public Library, Parks and Recreation, and the Vancouver Police Department. Funding for affordable housing, homelessness, environmental programs and arts and culture are all being maintained or increased.

“We started out with a $60 million shortfall, and staff have done a great job finding savings and efficiencies across every department to close that gap. We’ve been able to bring in a budget that protects key areas like homelessness and the environment, while still keeping property taxes to just 2.26%.

“This budget strikes a careful balance between managing spending and protecting city services, and reflects the priorities of people across the city.”