Common Council will table its budget next month with the assumption the province will allow the city to defer pension payments for a year.Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News he believes the deferral will be allowed because it won't cost the province any extra money.
Premier David Alward was non-commital when asked whether the new government will go along with what the city is requesting. Court says Council is seeking a meeting with the Premier to present the case for the deferral.
Both Court and Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase, who don't agree on much of anything, concur the city will be facing a fiscal crisis if the province doesn't play ball.
The Saint John Police Association is urging the M-L-A's to say no. If the provincial government does not grant the city's request, Common Council would be looking at as 13 cent increase on the tax rate unless there are cuts in city services.
