Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase tells CHSJ News it's time to break the deadlock and he's optimistic consensus can be reached.
Chase says he and three other Council members took the rare step of petitioning the Common Clerk to schedule the public meeting.
He admits there is still division on Council between those who are confident the changes to the city's pension plan will be approved and those, like himself, who want to see this year's budget reflect 9 million dollars in savings that would have to be found if the province rejects the pension reforms.
Chase says it's imperative to get the budget done because the tax bills have to go out and the city can't operate if it has no money.
