Vancouver city budget cuts 158 jobs, raises taxes 2.26 per cent

By Kelly Sinoski, Vancouver SunDecember 18, 2009 12:03 PM

VANCOUVER -- The City of Vancouver today approved a controversial 2010 operating budget that will see the loss of 158 jobs and cuts to parks and community programs but protects the city's "most vulnerable." The budget, which calls for a tax increase of 2.26 per cent, was revised to increase funding to save Riley Park Library, retain the current operating hours at Vancouver Public Library, and provide $500,000 for homeless shelters. The money for Riley Park, $153,000, is expected to come from one-time savings derived from a salary adjustment of exempt staff. Council was told staff was willing to accept only half their four per cent wage increase in January with the other half to be allocated in July. "This addresses the entire spectrum of people at risk," Coun. Kerry Jiang said.

Council faced several cuts to deal with a $60-million shortfall for 2010. Despite calls from some councillors to save the Bloedel Conservancy in Queen Elizabeth Park and reinstate all community and library services, Mayor Gregor Robertson said it's the responsibility of the Park Board to "make those tough decisions." A motion by Coun. Ellen Woodsworth to raise taxes by three per cent for residential and three per cent for business was applauded by members of the gallery but rejected by the rest of council. Coun. Tim Stevenson noted 82 per cent of businesses in Vancouver are small businesses, which are also hurting in this recession.