Keep 'em, but change 'em: Most still support ward funds

The funds were a hot topic in the October municipal election campaign, and several councillors were elected promising to reform the way the money is distributed.

In addition to a public meeting on the funds held in March, 65 residents participated in an online survey, and the results were released on the city's website this week.

In total, 68.25 per cent supported maintaining the HCI funds in some form, with 61.90 per cent supporting changing the way the money is distributed. A popular suggestions was removing direct spending control from politicians, and either transferring it back to city staff, or creating a system where neighbourhood input plays a bigger role in determining how the money is spent.

“Take the politics, or at least the appearance of politics, out of the process by handing the review of requests and applications to staff, and by engaging a participatory budgeting approach for at least a portion of the funds ” one respondent suggested.

“The allocation should not be determined solely by the councillor of the ward,” another person said.

“The level of funding should be maintained, just the distribution scheme amended to provide more openness and transparency - these should be handled by staff.”

Many respondents, however, liked the current system, arguing that with the right checks and balances in place, local councillors are the ideal people to make spending decisions.

“Living in Azilda we have accessed this fund through our CAN committee and our neighbourhood association, this fund had helped with our dog park, volleyball and outdoor rink — it has been great,” one respondent wrote.

“Sudbury is not unique in having a certain amount of money councillors can spend however they like,” said another. “Hamilton councillors have 'area rating funds of around $1 million each. Many American cities also give local councillors total control over significant capital dollars. Don't let anyone say Sudbury is unique in this regard.”

But many people said HCI should be abolished entirely and the money devoted to city priorities.

“Use my tax dollars to fix the dam roads, not for flower pots and playgrounds,” said one respondent. “Those groups can do their own fundraising.”

“I am disappointed that this issue is again being discussed — the election results demonstrated the displeasure with how the HCI funds were handled in the past,” said another.

A report on the consultation on the future of HCI is expected at city council April 28. The $600,000 budget has been set aside already for 2015, but that money is frozen until councillors decide on the future of HCI.