2012 City budget debate begins
Posted Nov 21, 2011 7:19 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Some hot and heavy discussion is expected over the next several days in council chambers, as the Mayor and Aldermen debate the 2012 budget.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi tells 660News, he’s determined to keep next year’s tax hike at five per cent.
The Chair of the Finance committed is not as confident.
Alderman Gord Lowe believes the only way to provide the services Calgarians have been calling for is to increase the tax rate.
Last summer, Lowe and several other members of council wanted administration to draw up the budget based on an eight per cent not five per cent hike.
Lowe says without a hike, Calgarians are going to notice a reduction in front line services ranging from police to transit.
Mayor Nenshi disagrees and has put forward a plan that holds the line on taxes, while addressing ways to offset the impact on services.
The budget debate opens with public presentations, with individuals stepping up to the microphone sharing their thoughts on the financial document.
