Service priorities and the budget
If cuts to services are needed to balance the budget, it could affect a range of services. There could be less road maintenance, litter pickup and grass mowing in public areas. Community centres could reduce operating hours and programs, or there might be less maintenance at parks and recreational facilities. Libraries may cut hours and services or close branches. There could be fewer Police and Fire staff, or a reduction in prevention programs or response to areas such as traffic enforcement. We could see fewer grants available for cultural groups, and reduced support for development activities in the city.
These are examples of the kinds of decisions City Council will have to deal with if service cuts are needed. In the case of any cuts, health and safety standards would be protected and the City would try to minimize the impact on the public as much as possible.
What are your service area priorities? What services do you see as key to yourself or the city? If you had to reduce services, where would you make cuts?
Comments
Reduce upper management, and cut their recent pay hikes. Then implement some of the suggested increases listed by the first poster…except the water rates. I’m for the idea of basic services free, then cadillac services taxes.
Oh, and actually come up with partnerships to help with the costs the federal and provincial governments should be helping with. For example, the Vancouver Library has to pay to maintain extensive Internet terminals visitors can use for free–the tourism ministry of BC should be helping with this cost.
Increase:
Parking Meter Rates
Community Center Fees
Development Permit Fees
Parking Fines
Residential Parking Permit Rates
Water Rates
Property Tax 3%
And
Toll All Bridges to Downtown
Toll All Arterials in Rush Hours
Charge Tax On Vacant Condos
Charge Tax on Development Sites Converted as Community Gardens
Charge Fees To Be A Library Member
Open City Hall Four Days a Week
reduce the executive pay and perk packages at city hall. do this first then look at other options
Keep the focus on the youth programs and the kids, as these are your investment for the future.
Also consider making use of volunteers. Many seniors would like to get involved and help; as well youth groups, aboriginal community groups, and school organizations.
We need our police and fire staff. Please do not reduce these. Grass can grow a little longer: it’s more important to have a response that’s timely to a 911 incident where someone could lose a life.
In terms of traffic enforcement: cameras work.
Increase meter parking costs to fund traffic issues.
For community centers, do what school centers do. Rent out facilities, combine facilities, (with schools, too, which often have gyms heated but unused after hours) and use the presence of volunteer groups w/ minimal staffing to populate an after-hours building. All you need then is someone to lock up at the right time. The desk doesn’t need to be staffed, and not every room needs to be open.
Give custodians that power (and a little more wage for the responsibility).