CITY COUNCIL APPROVES 2019 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET
March 20, 2019 at 10:30 PM
On March 20, city council voted 11-5 in favour of adopting the 2019 operating and capital budget.
The Local made presentations at the Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services & Parks and at the special meeting of the Executive Policy Committee.
In his presentation, Local 500 President Gord Delbridge, raised a number of concerns including the city’s continued reliance on vacancy management and department efficiencies to save money.
"This practice has taken its toll on almost every single City department,” said Delbridge. "We need to ensure we have enough workers to provide the services Winnipeggers rely on, and that support is just not there."
The budget also calls for about $12 million in “department efficiency savings" but does not provide any details of what or where those savings will be achieved.
“Local 500 understands the goal of finding efficiencies but this effort must be balanced with ensuring services are maintained,” said Delbridge. “As we’ve said many times, CUPE is open to meeting with city officials to discuss initiatives that would improve services and find meaningful ways to save money at the same time.”
In other areas of the budget, the operating grant to Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) was approved, however, it is subject to confirmation by the city that APC is in compliance with their lease and funding agreement.
"CUPE has raised concerns regarding the allocation of millions of dollars to APC while at the same time they are contracting out custodial services to save money,” said Local 500 President Gord Delbridge. We believe this move by APC is not in compliance with their funding agreement, and recommended Council hold it in abeyance until such time the city is satisfied they acted accordingly. We’re glad to see that the Mayor and Council agreed with us”
Here’s how council voted on the budget:
Voting in favour: Mayor Bowman, Councillors Orlikow, Gillingham, Mayes, Allard, Gilroy, Sharma, Browaty, Rollins, Santos, and Chambers.
Voting Against: Councillors Klein, Lukes, Nason, Eadie and Schreyer.
To find out more details about the 2019 Operating Budget, click here.
