News Release

Halifax Regional Council Provides Budget Direction

(Tuesday, March 23, 2010) - Today at Committee of the Whole, Halifax Regional Council continued its discussion on HRM’s Fiscal Framework, providing direction to staff that will help build the 2010-11 budget and address a $30.4 million funding gap.

Council recommended that staff identify $14 million through a combination of efficiencies, departmental budget reductions, and new revenues, offset $10 million in transit expansion through transit area rates, and generate $6 million through a tax rate increase. Council also directed staff to bring back a further $10 million in combined efficiencies, reduced expenditures and revenue opportunities to take effect in the 2011-12 fiscal year.

“Council is mindful of the difficult conditions we are facing, but we will aim to minimize the impact on taxpayers as much as possible while maintaining a similar level of service,” said Mayor Peter Kelly.

The initial presentation to Council on the Fiscal Framework was made on February 23, 2010. The Fiscal Framework presentation provides details on the fiscal pressures facing the municipality, and enables Council to give direction to staff to develop a draft budget. The proposed 2010-2011 budget is scheduled to be tabled later in the spring.

“We are proud of our record of managing the municipality’s resources responsibly. We plan to continue that approach in the upcoming year, with an eye to safeguarding our future,” said Mayor Kelly.

For more information and reports to Council, visit www.halifax.ca/budget

-30-

Contact:

Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010