An additional 10 cents per month on taxes this year had some councillors feeling uncomfortable Monday night.
A request to bump up the city’s $2million organization grant program by $84,437 was supposed to make its way to council before it approved the 2012 budget earlier this month but was overlooked due to what councillors called a “glitch”. Coun. Andrew Foulds brought the request, which would help places like the Regional Food Distribution Association and the Lakehead Social Planning Council, forward again.
The money helps organizations that help people in the community he said.
“They help them in order to allow them to be successful,” Foulds said. “These persons often do not have other opportunities.”
While the request was approved, some councillors were worried that it would set a precedent for more worthy organizations asking for help.
“I think we should live within our means here,” Coun. Mark Bentz said. “To just say all these are good causes, there could be $200,000 in good causes next year.”
The city should be using the Thunder Bay and District Social Services Administration Board to determine which organizations to fund Bentz said otherwise there could be redundant funding.
Coun. Rebecca Johnson, who voted against the budget in the first place, said she agreed.
“I really truly believe that the organizations in some instances are double dipping,” she said.
But Mayor Keith Hobbs said the city is trying to reduce poverty and that funding these organizations is a no-brainer.
“These are very worthy organizations,” Hobbs said. “We have to look after the marginalized people.”
