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Draft Budget - 2005 Highlights from EDAC’s Perspective Budget Sub-Committee Members: Anne Wright Denis Bourguignon Benjamin Agbanti Overall City staff have tabled a budget that calls for a 4.5% tax increase and an increase in user fees at the same rate as the rising cost of services. They made the point that since amalgamation, Ottawa has held the line on tax increase while tax rates in comparable cities across Ontario and Canada have continued to climb. The long-awaited investment in municipalities from the gas tax is being allocated to capital spending. Compared to the 2004 base budget, no further major cuts are proposed to services (which were significantly cut in last year's budget). Increased investment is recommended in: Police services (10%) Paramedic services (an additional 14 paramedics ($1.2M)) Child care services (an additional 325 subsidized child care spots) ($2M) Expanded transit services Reinstatement of leaf and yard waste pickups in the summer ($600,000), and Improved road-side grass cutting ($807,000). What we like From EDAC’s perspective, we are glad to see: A much-needed increase to child care services (i.e. addition of 325 Childcare spaces) Minimal further cuts suggested to city services The proposed re-instatement of some OC Transpo bus services (i.e. Members of our ethno-cultural communities in Ottawa depend on the bus to get to work-many during evening and night hours). We should also consider supporting investment in some capital projects-access to community space within the city is at a premium. Our communities need accessible and culturally-welcoming public space in which to gather and build community. Related to capital spending, we need to make sure that the tendering process for capital spending is open, transparent and allows for fair competition. What we should keep an eye on Kent Kirkpatrick, the City Manager, has promised $7.5 million savings through administrative efficiencies. In alignment with the motion we passed in October, EDAC should strongly make the point that any cuts to the City's already-slim equity and diversity resources would hamper the city in moving forward in step with its changing population Increase in user fees User Fees are recommended to increase to match the cost of services. User fees can be a burden, particularly on people with low and fixed incomes. If this recommendation is followed, user fees would likely result in an increase to: Bus fares – by 3% Licenses Recreational programs and Other City services. According to our October motion, we need to fight to maintain and increase programs and services designed to "equalize opportunities" for those who might otherwise be left out. Changes We did Like to see – Positive Effects Re-instatement of Community Grant Funding The promised re-instatement of one-time grants is not in the budget. One-time grants have historically been allocated less than $1 million per year, but these small grants go a long way to building needed community assets -- and each dollar invested by the city has been shown to be matched by at least $10 in contributions in kind from community members. Positive Effects: The Grants provide funding to help: Youth avoid the risks involved with gang related activities, drug abuse and loitering on the street by providing drop-in centers. People maintain their housing and home work clubs for youth after school. Seniors develop and maintain self-help networks and Maintain the new immigrants Women Network. Changes We did Like to see - Negative Effects Re-instatement of Community Grant Funding Negative Effects: Will cause the increase in youth related risks such as gang related activities, engaging in drug abuse and a significant increase of teens on the street. Will decrease Community programs that help people maintain their housing and home work clubs for youth after school. Will decrease the development of Seniors Self-help networks and Will decrease the capabilities of new immigrants Women network that support each other. Failing Promises The City is going against the Ottawa 20/20 Vision which promises: Access to the basics of life Promoting culture in every Community A strong sense of Community building – this will not happen without the City’s support in assisting Community groups in the Community building process. Affordable and barrier-free facilities, programs and services.