City Manager Pat Woods concedes the lowering of the property assessments on appeal by two pulp and paper mills in the city ruled out any reduction to the tax rate. Woods told councillors he believes the reduction in the tax base is a one off and he's optmistic the city's economy will get better down the road.
Mayor Mel Norton says councillors had a lot of questions but, in his view, appeared generally satisfied with the budget.
Councillor Susan Fullerton wants to see more cost reduction actually take place instead of just talking about it.
Woods telling Council more flexibility is needed in contract agreements with the municipal unions.
