Edmontonians showed up Wednesday at city hall for the first public hearing on the city budget. The hearing comes just two weeks after the city called for a 6.5 per cent property tax hike.
Julian Daly says he was upset to learn that the city is considering slashing hours at libraries to cut costs in an already tight budget year. Daly says public libraries are an essential service.
"It's a place to read and take out books, but it's also a place where people are treated with dignity," said Daly.
City council heard from about two dozen people who are concerned over a range of issues.
"We need to meet those needs," said City Coun. Amarajeet Sohi. "Whether a reduction in hours has a huge impact... I don't know we'll have to work that out."
Council will also have to work out a plan for Scona pool, a facility that city administration wants closed. It's a move that city officials say could save Edmonton millions of dollars.
But despite the cost savings, many Edmontonians continue to fight to keep the pool open.
"It's not only a pool and a place to swim," said Julie Kusiek. " It's a meeting point, it's one of the multiple intersecting points in a community."
Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel insists council is paying close attention to all stakeholders, but he believes the issue of Edmonton police asking for an extra $15 million for their budget will easily dominate all chatter.
"The police have to answer questions to justify what they're spending money on and how they're spending it," said Mandel.
City council will deliberate the proposed budget in early Dec. A final budget should be passed before Christmas.
With files from Scott Roberts
