The 2015 Saint John budget being officially passed but without the support of two city councillors.
Ward One councillor Bill Farren voting against accepting the budget telling CHSJ News he believes more money should have been set aside to tackle the deficit which is estimated at $1.5-million going into next year. Farren says he believes 2016 is “going to be an even bigger mess” when they try and prepare for that year.
Ward Three Councillor and chairperson of the Saint John transit commission Donna Reardon also casting a vote against the budget as she would like to see more money put into transit which will be getting a $205,000 funding increase next year which is short of what’s needed to maintain the current level of service.
Roads, meantime, will be getting an increase of $165,000.
Saint John Police will be getting an increase of $700,000 next year while City Fire will get $670,000 more next year.
The property tax rate will remain stable at $1.785.
