A draft budget was discussed which depends on both pension reform and the deferral of pension payments. If both are successful, roughly 4.3 million dollars in funds would be freed up to bring back city services reduced by the previous Council. Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News it's a better picture than last year when many core city services were slashed to the outrage of many Saint Johnners.
The fire department isn't so pleased with a propsed cut of half a million dollars. City Transit would get a 1.2 million dollar boost and roads remain the number one priority.
City Manager Pat Woods says creating a better city for people is essential, because even the best infrastructure in the world doesn't make Saint John a vibrant, thriving community.
Council meets again Thursday to see whether it's satisfied with a Memorandum of Understanding which outlines the potential future direction of the pension plan. The budget could be finalized as soon as next week.
We do know what you'll be paying for your water next year and it won't be as much as proposed by Saint John Water. There will be an increase of 3.7 per cent, half of what was on the table, and the flat rate will be increasing next year by 36 dollars.
