Council told to eliminate arts funding, slash budgets

Calgary aldermen should slash arts funding, freeze staff salaries and cut their own office budgets to reduce a proposed property tax increase, city council heard Monday.

The official debate over a potentially hefty 2009-2011 property tax increase got underway at city hall Monday with presentations from the public.

Most of the presenters called on council to reduce the tax burden on homeownersby making spending cuts, and they had some suggestions.

"Zero net staff increases should be the goal, with hiring freezes and salary freezes if required," said Bill Evans.

Scott Hennig, a spokesman for theCanadian Taxpayers Federation,said the city should reduce the budgets of city managers, aldermen and the mayor's office, as well astrim the amount it spends on social services.

"The Calgary Arts Development authority could be eliminated as well. Allow individuals to fund that through their charitable donations," he said.

Despite controversy over the budget,only about 70 people showed up for the council meeting, leaving empty the extra rooms ready to handle an anticipated crowd.

Majority vow toscrap budget: Colley-Urquhart

Earlier this month, city staff proposed a $7.9-billion operating budget for 2009-2011, which would result in three years of property tax hikes 9.6 per cent in the first year, 6.8 per cent the second, and 6.9 per cent in the third to cover the extra spending.

Eight out of 15 aldermen vowed Thursday to defeat that proposal.

Facing a potential tax revolt, Mayor Dave Bronconnier and finance committee chairman Ald. Gord Lowe released a revised budget late that afternoon, shaving almost four percentage points off the original plan.

That had at least one of the eight alderman, John Mar, hinting that he mightchangehis mind.

On Monday, Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart said all eight aldermen a majority are still onside to supporta motion calling oncity staff to start overand come up with a one-year increase in the three to five per cent range.

But she wouldn't say when the motion will be introduced, saying only"we want to win this vote."

In an interview with CBC Radio's Calgary Eyeopener on Friday morning, Bronconnier defended his new plan.

"Sending it back to administration is not a solution. It's a deferral of some tough decisions," he said. "Tough choices have to be made. Now is the time to do it."

City council has set aside the rest of the week for special meetings on the budget.

At an open house on Saturday, Bronconnier and the rest of Calgary city council got an earful from upset taxpayers.

The plaza level of the downtown municipal building buzzed with 300 people at times, most of them angry. About 1,000 people signed a petition organized by Colley-Urquhart, supporting a one-year budget with a tax jump close to the rate of inflation.