City council has set the stage for next year’s budget process by giving staff an outline for the fiscal document.
Council approved the direction for the 2020 budget, which city staff say doesn’t include any major cuts or increases at this stage.
Councillors heard administration won’t look for savings right now, because that work is being done by a consultant for the city’s service review.
The review is expected to come back before budget talks begin.
However, the Mayor is warning about the effects of provincial funding cuts.
Bill Mauro points out the city could be expected to step up to support the Health Unit or other services in next year’s budget.
“If the Public Health Unit board, or [District Social Services Administration Board], or whoever, chooses to move forward and maintain the service levels that they do, all the municipalities across Ontario will be back-filling a cut that’s been made by the Province of Ontario,” Mauro notes.
A report to council says they will hear more options for savings in January of next year.
