Halifax budget deliberations continue

Halifax councillors need to find millions of dollars to reach tax hike goal

CityNews Halifax Staff

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Halifax regional councillors are considering some budget cuts to reach their goal of raising the average tax bill by four per cent this year. 

To get there, council will have to find millions of dollars in budget reductions.

Coun. Waye Mason told CityNews Halifax those reductions could have a serious impact on important municipal programs.

“Right now you’re looking at some pretty damaging things around important programs to be able to get to that four per cent,” he said.

“Library collections and hours, cutting funding for arts organizations like Neptune, charging for the free outdoor pool on the Common that’s been free for 60 years and a whole bunch of other stuff.”

That “other stuff” includes potential transit service cuts and fare increases, reducing snow clearing from sidewalks, and less frequent green bin pick-ups in the summer.

Discussions continue Tuesday afternoon with councillors considering the business plan for the Public Works department.

These budget committee deliberations will continue into March.