Council strives for tight budget

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: January 09, 2010 12:00 PM

There are indications that economic conditions are improving, but Vernon’s mayor insists now isn’t the time to start hiking taxes and increasing spending. Council and administration are currently trying to hammer out a budget for 2010, and Wayne Lippert admits it will be a challenge. “We want to look hard at the services we have without increasing taxes,” he said. “We really need to be mindful of taxes because while the economy is turning around, it’s still fragile. We need to help business keep moving forward.” And Lippert cautions that scrutinizing city services has more to do with meeting the needs of residents in an effective manner than it has to do with cutting costs. “I like service reviews. People’s needs change, and where and how they live changes. That’s why we need to re-evaluate services.”

Financial pressure has also come from the provincial government reducing funding for social agencies and those groups turning to the city. “We have to look hard at these requests and weigh out the benefits,” said Lippert. “City taxpayers can’t continuously fund a lot of these organizations no matter how great they are.” Lippert also wants to ensure taxpayers’ money is enabling people in need to improve their lives, and grants aren’t considered an entitlement. “Everyone has a worth and a value and all of us have had good times and bad times,” he said. “If we help people and encourage them, many of them will give back to the community.”

With the 2010 budget process to be wrapped up in the spring, Lippert is encouraging residents to take an active role. “We look for input from the public for the budget on a regular basis,” he said. Beyond finances, a number of initiatives are on the city’s books in 2010, including a review of land uses downtown. “The city centre is the core and we need a vital core. People go there because it represents the city,” said Lippert. Downtown was identified as a redevelopment area during the preparation of the official community plan, and residents have been asked recently what they want to see happen there. For Lippert, his preference is for offices and boutiques as well as people living downtown. He also wants it to remain a cultural hub. “The museum and the library are the things that establish the city centre and give people a reason to go there,” he said. But there is still no timeline for redevelopment of the city-owned Coldstream Hotel property. “It needs to be done right and the city centre plan will help with that,” said Lippert.

There will also be considerable focus on Polson Park in 2010 as some improvements are made.It’s hoped that construction of a performance/seating shelter on the site of the old grandstand begins in March. “People will have a place to go and sit,” said Lippert of watching events at the track and oval. The structure will also have year-round washrooms, a concession and storage for parks equipment. “It will help attract people so they can use it for different events,” said Lippert. Redevelopment of the park will also include upgrades to the existing band shell and a fitness circuit for seniors between the playground and Japanese garden. Lippert is convinced the upgrades reflect the wishes of residents who attended meetings or approached the city. “There have been a lot of great ideas and input,” he said.