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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Core funding was a hot topic during Monday night's special council meeting, which allowed members of the public to comment on the 2009 budget.

Council members heard from representatives of the Canadian Championship Dog Derby, Ecology North, Folk on the Rocks and the Curling Club, who all made their case for city money.

Core funding "helps stabilize the organization," said Lynn Feasey, executive director of Folk on the Rocks.

She added city funding only makes up about 1.5 per cent of the festival's annual budget.

Cultural events, such as those sponsored by core grants, "protect the uniqueness that we have" as a city, added Carol Beck, who helps organize the Dog Derby.

She added not supporting cultural events through grants would be "short-sighted" on the city's part.

Core funding amounts for grants had been discussed over the past month, at times heatedly, as some council representatives sought to increase funding amounts beyond the previously allocated $300,000 and others pushed for groups to become self-sustainable.

In mid-November city administration said it would not put the proposed boost in core funding to $360,000 in the budget because it would violate Municipal and Community Affairs' provision that core funding not be more than two per cent of the general fund.

Part of the proposed increase came from including new groups for funding and increasing amounts for some of the groups, such as Folk on the Rocks, who already receive grants.

"If someone asked 'what do you need?', we would still say an extra $15,000 a year," said Feasey, who asked for an increase to $30,000 from the previous year's $15,000 in funding.

Because of the MACA cap on funding, however, grant amounts have already been decided, and will remain on the lower end, pending budget approval.

"Those who are here for core funding should know council made a recommendation for each of (the groups) and (the amounts) are in the budget," said Mayor Gord Van Tighem.

Other presentations included a group of four Ecology North members lauding the city's $365,000 two-year composting pilot project.

"To see it in the budget, even if it's not our budget, is absolutely amazing," said one member.

One presenter spoke out against taxes: Jon Jaque, president of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce.

The world economy has changed since budget planning began earlier in the year, said Jaque.

"This is seriously not the time to raise taxes in Yellowknife," he added.

Jaque said if the next three years of tax increase proposals go ahead as recommended (hikes are set for 4.75 per cent for 2009, 5.84 per cent for to 2010 and 5.89 per cent for 2011) by 2011 the accumulative tax increase over six years would total more than 30 per cent.

"Bold fiscal leadership is required," said Jaque.

The Priorities, Policies and Budget Committee will hold special meetings to go over the budget Dec. 9 and 10, and city council is scheduled to adopt it in a special meeting on Dec. 15.