The following was before Budget Committee:
- Staff report dated March 16, 2025
- Staff presentation dated March 19, 2025
- Handout dated March 17, 2025
- Handout dated March 20, 2025
- Correspondence from Rochelle Owen, Gordon MacDonald, Rebecca MacDonald, Maggy Burns, Sara Lipson, Jill White, Dr. Catherine Brown and Shelley Radford, Laura MacMillan, Pat Brennan, Bettyann Power, Linda Scherzinger, Mark Chin-Yee, Ashley-Rose MacRae, Kay Crinean, Linda V. Lewis, Stacey Smith, Frances Jamieson, Ted Ross, Peter and Diana Hull, Angelica Silva, Melissa Dubé, Jonas Skaalum, Aaron Eisses, Pat Kipping, Geoff Hill, Cheryl Osmond, Todd Calder, Erica Feldscher, Karen Mitchell, Susan Drain, Kim Plaxton, Einar Christensen, Tim Rissesco, Nina Cherry, Dugald Regnier, Mike Sime, Suzanne Townsend, Allison Beaulieu, Leslie Pezzack, Judy Cookey, Joy Pennick, Kate Sherren, Anna MacDonald, Greg Aikins, Christine Hennigar, Rodney Small, Linda Hodgins, Vivien Blamire, Susan Kulik, Audrey Samson, Maggy Burns, Jana Hansen, Emily Fearon, Gabrielle Gesner, Lloyd Fraser, Linda Davis, Murray Hill, Jacqui Reeves, Ruth Gamberg, Andrew Stokes, Lori McCurdy, Carol Nasr, Terry Choyce, Melina McNeil, Sarah Moore, Rebecca Barnes, Carole Woodhall, Emily Fearon, Janet Barlow, Brenda Holoboff, Eliz Holly Woodill, Petra Mudie, Kellie Allen, Oliver Doepner, Hilary Marentette, Margaret Galbraith, Karla Sonnichsen, Jack Campbell, Hillary Lindsay, Sandy Greenberg, Jesse Hatch, Lily Lynch, Sue LaPierre, Patrick Sullivan, Jay Hackney, Lou Campbell, Lisa Litwack, John Nesbitt, Milka Pietikainen, Martin Alpert, Meriel Fitzgerald, Kai Retter and the Citadel High School Environmental Club, Jeff Reilly Val Webber, Susan McLean, Ruth Cordes, Katrina Forrestall, Mya Gagnon, Art Bouman, Peter Polley, Adrianne Mahon, Amber Brown, Shannon Steele, Christianne Hagerman, Zoe Neustaedter, Johanna Aucoin-Slaunwhite, Tori Mittelholtz, Elizabeth Babych, Linden Hardie, S. Orr, Rebecca Hartery, Willa Oaks, Brittany Carter, Amanda Fricker, Julia Clarke, Jasmin H., Jordan Roberts, Heather Walker, Lauren Ross, Av Diggle, Ella Headrick, Sandra Barss, Linda Adamson, Linda Forbes, Ross A. Cantwell, Peter Fillmore, Iain Taylor, Shannon Donovan, Margo Grant, Peggy Walt, Michael Morris, Margaret Anne McHugh, Jasmine Maher, Jack Williams, Elena Christakos, Elizabeth Tufts, Helena Fernandez-Murray, Katie O’Brien, Hailey Audfroid, Lauren Shannon, Sade Cooke, Jessica Ross, Michaela Wheatley, Mariah Godin, Scott MacKenzie, Tracy Boyer, Heather MacLeod and Alex Livingston, Bruce Rainnie
Cathie O'Toole, Chief Administrative Officer and Jerry Blackwood, Executive Director of Finance & Asset Management/Chief Financial Officer provided introductory remarks on the budget process.
Dave Harley, Director of Financial Management and Operations gave a presentation, noting an error in Table 3 Deeper Reductions and Service Charges of the staff report March 16, 2025 which indicated a total reduction of $13,900,000 which should read $13,100,000 as shown in Attachment B and the staff presentation.
MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Deputy Mayor Mancini
THAT the Budget Committee recommend Regional Council direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), in consultation with the IAFF, Province of Nova Scotia and our service providers, to establish a comprehensive firefighter cancer screening program effective no later than January 1, 2026.
MOTION PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Not present: Councillor Cuttell
MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor St-Amand
THAT the Budget Committee direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four-Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating any accepted items from the Budget Adjustment List, along with proposed amendments.
Harley responded to a question of clarification from Budget Committee.
MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Hartling
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four-Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_003 - Community Crisis Diversion Pilot Service
- BAL_008 - RCMP Staffing Request - 14 positions
O'Toole, Amy Siciliano, Public Safety Advisor and Bill Moore, Commissioner of Public Safety responded to questions of clarification.
Councillor Deagle Gammon stepped down from the Chair and Mayor Fillmore assumed the Chair.
Councillor Deagle Gammon resumed the Chair.
Chief Don MacLean, Halifax Regional Police and Superintendent Don Mosher, Royal Canadian Mounted Police responded to questions of clarification.
As provided for in section 90 of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the motion was separated for voting purposes.
MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Hartling
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four-Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_003 - Community Crisis Diversion Pilot Service
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (15 in favour, 1 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Mayor Fillmore
Not present: Councillor Cuttell
MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Hartling
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four-Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_008 - RCMP Staffing Request - 14 positions
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (12 in favour, 4 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Morse, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Councillors Austin, Cleary, White, Hinch
Not present: Councillor Cuttell
The meeting recessed on March 19, 2025 at 4:21 p.m.
The meeting reconvened on March 21, 2025 at 9:34 a.m.
MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor Purdy
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List Attachment A and B:
- BAL_011 – Capital Portion of Urban Forestry Master Plan Tree Planting
- BAL_018 – Freezing Hiring the Proposed Community Safety Positions
- BAL_020 – Central Library Reserve Funding
- BAL_022 – Landlines Review
- BAL_023.30 – FTE Changes
- BAL_023.1 – Salt Recoveries
- BAL_023.2 – Small Part Warranty
- BAL_023.3 – Investment Income
- BAL_023.4 – Payments in Lieu and Tax Agreements
- BAL_023.5 – P&D Heritage Grants
- BAL_023.6 – P&D Permit Revenue
- BAL_023.7 – Fuel (Carbon Tax Reduction)
- BAL_023.8 – IT Bell Contract Contingency
- BAL_023.9 – P&R Civic Events
- BAL_023.10 – SITP/MPO savings
- BAL_023.11 – Public Works Vacancies
- BAL_023.12 – Finance and Asset Management Vacancies and Consulting
- BAL_023.13 – Corporate Fleet
- BAL_023.14 – Community Planning Studies
- BAL_023.15 – New Park Capital
- BAL_023.16 – Fleet Management
- BAL_023.17 – Station Alerting
- BAL_023.18 – Corporate Scheduling
- BAL_023.19 – Fuel Management
- BAL_023.20 – Enterprise Project Management (BT41)
- BAL_023.21 – Records Management (BT55)
Dave Harley, Director, Financial Management and Operations, Jerry Blackwood, Executive Director of Finance & Asset Management/Chief Financial Officer, Cathie O'Toole, Chief Financial Officer, John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer, Mairead Barry, Director, Strategy, Halifax Public Libraries, Brad Anguish, Commissioner of Operations, Maggie MacDonald, Executive Director, Parks and Recreation, David Thorpe, Chief Information Officer, Jacqueline Hamilton, Executive Director, Planning and Development, Crispin Wood, Manager, Urban Forestry responded to questions of clarification.
As provided for in section 90 of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the motion was separated for voting purposes.
MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor Purdy
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List Attachment A and B:
- BAL_018 – Freezing Hiring the Proposed Community Safety Positions
- BAL_022 – Landlines Review
- BAL_023.30 – FTE Changes
- BAL_023.1 – Salt Recoveries
- BAL_023.2 – Small Part Warranty
- BAL_023.3 – Investment Income
- BAL_023.4 – Payments in Lieu and Tax Agreements
- BAL_023.5 – P&D Heritage Grants
- BAL_023.6 – P&D Permit Revenue
- BAL_023.7 – Fuel (Carbon Tax Reduction)
- BAL_023.8 – IT Bell Contract Contingency
- BAL_023.10 – SITP/MPO savings
- BAL_023.11 – Public Works Vacancies
- BAL_023.12 – Finance and Asset Management Vacancies and Consulting
- BAL_023.14 – Community Planning Studies
- BAL_023.13 – Corporate Fleet
- BAL_023.15 – New Park Capital
- BAL_023.16 – Fleet Management
- BAL_023.17 – Station Alerting
- BAL_023.18 – Corporate Scheduling
- BAL_023.19 – Fuel Management
- BAL_023.20 – Enterprise Project Management (BT41)
- BAL_023.21 – Records Management (BT55)
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor Purdy
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List Attachment A and B:
- BAL_023.9 – P&R Civic Events
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND DEFEATED. (5 in favour, 12 against)
In favour: Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Hendsbee, Cleary, Cuttell, Steele
Against: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Kent, Purdy, Austin, White, Hinch, Morse, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor Purdy
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List Attachment A and B:
- BAL_020 – Central Library Reserve Funding
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (9 in favour, 8 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Steele, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Cuttell, Hartling
MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor Purdy
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List Attachment A and B:
- BAL_011 – Capital Portion of Urban Forestry Master Plan Tree Planting
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (13 in favour, 4 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Cleary, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Councillors Austin, White, Hinch, Morse
MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Cuttell
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_005 – Operate ten buses beyond their service life
Councillor Steele proposed the motion be amended to add BAL_009 - HRBP for Transit. As provided for in section 53 (2) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the amendment was accepted as friendly.
Britt Wilson, Executive Director and Chief Human Resources Officer and Robin Gerus, Executive Director, Halifax Transit responded to questions of clarification.
The motion now read:
MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Cuttell
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_005 – Operate ten buses beyond their service life
- BAL_009 – HRBP for Transit
Blackwood, O'Toole and Tyler Higgins, Manager, Budget & Reserves responded to questions of clarification.
As provided for in section 90 of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the motion was separated for voting purposes.
MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Cuttell
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_005 – Operate ten buses beyond their service life
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Cuttell
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_009 – HRBP for Transit
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (14 in favour, 3 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, St-Amand
Against: Councillors Purdy, Young, Gillis
MOVED by Councillor Hinch, seconded by Steele
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_015 – Removal of Armored F350s and Armored Rescue Vehicle
MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Kent
THAT Budget Committee convene to In Camera (In Private) to discuss Legal Advice.
MOTION PUT AND PASSED.
Traves responded to a question of clarification, noting the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) took precedent over any conflicting legislation. Section 13 outlined that every employer should take every precaution that was reasonable in the circumstances to ensure the health and safety of persons at or near the workplace. Provincial Case Law explained that the workplace was not a single location but wherever the employees were performing their work. Traves advised the Municipality had received an OHS complaint for the provision of an armored vehicle and it was the responsibility of the Department of Labour (DOL) officers and inspectors under OHSA to ensure compliance. DOL had the power to issue stop work orders, lay charges and require the acquisition of safety equipment or other devices. Traves provided an example where Moncton RCMP were charged and convicted for failing to equip and train officers to respond to an active shooter on June 14, 2014 which resulted in the death of three officers. Traves spoke to the employer's obligations under the Westray Act, which held Regional Council and senior officials accountable for employees' safety.
Chief Don MacLean, Halifax Regional Police responded to questions of clarification.
Members of Council spoke to performance, use and differences between Armoured F350s and Armored Rescue Vehicles.
Traves advised there would be legal risk if there was loss of life under OHSA and confirmed the Chief Administrative Officer and Chief of Police did not have authorization to purchase an armored vehicle without Regional Council approval.
O'Toole and Blackwood responded to questions of clarification.
MOTION TO AMENDED PUT AND DEFEATED. (2 in favour, 15 against)
In favour: Councillors Hinch, Cleary
Against: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Austin, White, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Purdy
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_021 – Deed Transfer Tax Forecast
Harley and Blackwood responded to questions of clarification.
Mayor Fillmore proposed BAL_021 be reduced to $1,500,000. As provided for in section 53 (2) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the amendment was accepted as friendly.
The motion now read:
MOVED by Councillor Kent, seconded by Councillor Purdy
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_021 – Deed Transfer Tax Forecast (adjusted to a $1.5M increase)
Blackwood and Higgins responded to a question of clarification.
MOTION TO AMENDED PUT AND DEFEATED. (5 in favour, 12 against)
In favour: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy
Against: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Councillors Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Budget Committee recessed on March 21, 2025 at 4:01 p.m.
Budget Committee reconvened on March 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Tyler Higgins, Manager, Budget & Reserves provided an update on the tax rate from the March 21, 2025 discussion.
Shannon Betts, Director, Solid Waste responded to questions of clarification on weekly green bin collection.
MOVED by Councillor Morse, seconded by Councillor Austin
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_014 – Collision Data Reporting (BT45)
David Thorpe, Chief Information Officer and Roddy MacIntyre, Director, Traffic & Parking Management responded to questions of clarification.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Not present: Councillors White, Cleary
Jacqueline Hamilton, Executive Director, Planning and Development responded to questions of clarification.
MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor Cuttell
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_010 – Adjusted to 1 Planner III for $86,000
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (10 in favour, 6 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Councillors Hendsbee, Austin, White, Hinch, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, St-Amand
Against: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Kent, Purdy, Young, Gillis
Not present: Councillor Cleary
MOVED by Councillor Steele, seconded by Councillor Hartling
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating a reduction of $682,500, reducing funding in the JustFood Action Plan.
Leticia Smillie, Food Policy Strategist, Bill Moore, Commissioner of Public Safety, Cathie O'Toole, Chief Administrative Officer and John Traves, K.C., C.D., Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer responded to questions of clarification.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND DEFEATED. (8 in favour, 8 against)
In favour: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Purdy, Steele, Hartling, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Councillors Kent, Austin, Hinch, Morse, Cuttell, White, Young
Not present: Councillor Cleary
MOVED by Councillor Hartling, seconded by Deputy Mayor Mancini
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_004 – 10 FTE Firefighters and one-time increase of $150,000 for uniforms and personal protective equipment
Ken Stuebing, Executive Director/Fire Chief, Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, Peter Andrews, Deputy Chief, Director, Operations Jerry Blackwood, Executive Director of Finance and Asset Management/Chief Financial Officer responded to questions of clarification.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (15 in favour, 2 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Councillors Purdy, Cuttell
MOVED by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Cleary
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_023.27 – Parking Revenue increase of $975,000 for increased parking rates; (25% all zones)
Blackwood, MacIntyre, and Lucas Pitts, Executive Director, Public Works responded to questions of clarification.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND DEFEATED. (6 in favour, 11 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Councillors Hendsbee, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse
Against: Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Kent, Purdy, Austin, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor St-Amand
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_023.23 Weekly Green Bin Collection with the following adjustment:
That summer weekly enhanced collection of green cart organics service be reduced by 3 collection cycles, to include a start date of July 21 and a stop date of September 12 to achieve a savings of $420,300 in the 2025/202 operating budget.
Betts, Tyler Higgins, Manager, Budget & Reserves and Brad Anguish, Commissioner of Operations responded to questions of clarification.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (14 in favour, 3 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Cuttell, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Councillors Morse, Steele, Hartling
Budget Committee recessed on March 24, 2025 at 5:02 p.m.
Budget Committee reconvened on March 26, 2025 at 9:33 a.m.
Tyler Higgins, Manager, Budget & Reserves provided an update on the tax rate from the March 24, 2025 discussion.
MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Hinch
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four-Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating BAL_012 – Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame Capital Campaign as out lined in Attachment A and B using $300,000 of one-time reserve funding from the Options Reserve (Q421).
Dave Harley, Director, Financial Management and Operations responded to questions of clarification.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (14 in favour, 2 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, White, Hinch, Cleary, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Councillors Purdy, Morse
Not present: Councillor Austin
MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor Purdy
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_023.24 – Benefits Plan Redesign (under-budget adjustment)
That the Benefits Plan Redesign be deferred by one year to achieve a savings of $1,000,000 in the 2025/2026 operating budget.
Brett Wilson, Executive Director, Human Resources responded to questions of clarification.
MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Deputy Mayor Mancini
THAT Budget Committee convene to In Camera (In Private) to discuss a Personnel Matter.
MOTION PUT AND PASSED.
The question was called on the amendment.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (10 in favour, 6 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Hinch, Cuttell, Young, Gillis
Against: Councillors Austin, White, Morse, Steele, Hartling, St-Amand
Not present: Councillor Cleary
MOVED by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Morse
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_016 – Road Safety Improvements of $930,000 (per BN013)
Harley, John Traves, K.C., CD, Municipal Solicitor/Chief Governance Officer, Cathie O'Toole, Chief Financial and Roddy MacIntyre, Director, Traffic & Parking Management responded to questions of clarification.
Councillor Steele proposed one-time funding from $400,000 Central Library Reserve and $530,000 from the Options Reserve. As provided for in section 53 (2) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the amendment was accepted as friendly.
The motion now read:
MOVED by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Morse
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_016 – Road Safety Improvements of $930,000 – with one-time funding from $400,000 Central Library Reserve and $530,000 from the Options Reserve
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (13 in favour, 3 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Austin, White, Hinch, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling
Against: Councillor Gillis, Young, St-Amand
Not present: Councillor Cleary
MOVED by Deputy Mayor Mancini, seconded by Councillor Austin
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating BAL_026 – Community Mediation Pilot Program as out lined in Attachment A and B using one time funding from the options reserve (Q421) with future operational funding pending a staff report.
O'Toole, Harley and Bill Moore, Commissioner of Public Safety responded to questions of clarification.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (14 in favour, 2 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Austin, White, Morse, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Councillord Hinch, Cuttell
Not present: Councillor Cleary
Councillor Deagle Gammon stepped down from the Chair and Mayor Fillmore assumed the Chair.
Anne Sherwood, Transportation Design & Construction Services and Brad Anguish, Commissioner of Operations responded to questions of calcification on the Gravel Road Paving Program.
Councillor Deagle Gammon resumed the Chair.
MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor Purdy
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_023.28 – Affordable Access Program for Multi-District Facilities (under-budget adjustment)
That the start date for the planned enhancements to the Affordable Access Program for Multi-District Facilities be deferred from December 1st 2025 to April 1st 2026 to achieve a savings of $400,000 in the 2025/2026 operating budget.
That the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating an increase of $1,000,000 to Planning and Development revenues.
Jacqueline Hamilton, Executive Director, Planning and Development responded to questions of clarification.
Deputy Mayor Mancini proposed the amount be increased to 1,200,000. As provided for in section 53 (2) of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the amendment was accepted as friendly.
The motion now read:
MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor Purdy
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_023.28 – Affordable Access Program for Multi-District Facilities (under-budget adjustment)
That the start date for the planned enhancements to the Affordable Access Program for Multi-District Facilities be deferred from December 1st 2025 to April 1st 2026 to achieve a savings of $400,000 in the 2025/2026 operating budget.
That the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating an increase of $1,200,000 to Planning and Development revenues.
As provided for in section 90 of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council, the motion was separated for voting purposes.
MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor Purdy
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_023.28 – Affordable Access Program for Multi-District Facilities (under-budget adjustment)
That the start date for the planned enhancements to the Affordable Access Program for Multi-District Facilities be deferred from December 1st 2025 to April 1st 2026 to achieve a savings of $400,000 in the 2025/2026 operating budget.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND DEFEATED. (5 in favour, 11 against)
In favour: Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Young
Against: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Austin, Cuttell, White, Hinch, Morse, Steele, Hartling, Gillis, St-Amand
Not present: Councillor Cleary
MOVED by Mayor Fillmore, seconded by Councillor Purdy
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating an increase of $1,200,000 to Planning and Development revenues.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Not present: Councillor Cleary
MOVED by Councillor Hendsbee, seconded by Mayor Fillmore
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_017 – Ross Road Realignment ($300,000)
Anguish, Sherwood and Hamilton responded to questions of clarification.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (15 in favour, 1 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Austin, Hinch, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Councillor White
Not present: Councillor Cleary
MOVED by Councillor White, seconded by Councillor Austin
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four-Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_006 – Youth Advocate Program $254,500 (per BN006)
Higgins, Moore and Maggie MacDonald, Executive Director, Parks and Recreation responded to questions of clarification.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (12 in favour, 5 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Austin, White, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Cuttell, Hartling, St-Amand
Against: Mayor Fillmore, Councillors Purdy, Steele, Young, Gillis
MOVED by Councillor Cleary, seconded by Councillor Cuttell
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four-Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating BAL_013 - Discovery Centre Biodiversity and aquarium as out lined in Attachment A and B using $200,000 of one-time reserve funding from the Options Reserve (Q421).
Brendon Smithson, Director, Regional Recreation Services responded to questions of clarification.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (13 in favour, 4 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, White, Hinch, Cleary, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Councillors Kent, Purdy, Austin, Morse
Councillor Deagle Gammon stepped down from the Chair and Mayor Fillmore assumed the Chair.
MOVED by Councillor Deagle Gammon, seconded by Councillor Gillis
THAT the Budget Committee amend the motion to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating the following items from the Budget Adjustment List as outlined in Attachment A and B:
- BAL_007 - One Sports Field Technician - Rural Fields
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED. (16 in favour, 1 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Austin, Hinch, Cleary, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Councillor White
Councillor Deagle Gammon resumed the Chair.
The question was called on the main motion as amended:
MOVED by Councillor Austin, seconded by Councillor St-Amand
THAT the Budget Committee direct the Chief Administrative Officer to finalize the 2025/26 Operating Budget, Capital Budget and Four-Year Capital Plan for Regional Council, incorporating any accepted items from the Budget Adjustment List, along with proposed amendments:
- BAL_003 – Community Crisis Diversion Pilot Service
- BAL_004 – 10 FTE Firefighters and one-time increase of $150,000 for uniforms and personal protective equipment
- BAL_005 – Operate ten buses beyond their service life
- BAL_006 –Youth Advocate Program
- BAL_007 – One Sports Field Technician - Rural Frields
- BAL_008 – RCMP Staffing Request - 14 positions
- BAL_009 – HRBP for Transit
- BAL_010 – Adjusted to 1 Planner III for $86,000
- BAL_011 – Capital Portion of Urban Forestry Master Plan Tree Planting
- BAL_012 – Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame Capital Campaign; using $300,000 of one-time reserve funding from the Options Reserve (Q421)
- BAL_013 – Discovery Centre Aquarium Facility; using $200,000 of one-time reserve funding from the Options Reserve (Q421)
- BAL_014 – Collision Data Reporting (BT45)
- BAL_016 – Road Safety Improvements of $930,000 – with one-time funding from $400,000 Central Library Reserve and $530,000 from the Options reserve
- BAL_017 - Ross Road Realignment ($300,000)
- BAL_018 – Freezing Hiring the Proposed Community Safety Positions
- BAL_020 – Central Library Reserve Funding
- BAL_022 – Landlines Review
- BAL_023.30 – FTE Changes
- BAL_023.1 – Salt Recoveries
- BAL_023.2 – Small Part Warranty
- BAL_023.3 – Investment Income
- BAL_023.4 – Payments in Lieu and Tax Agreements
- BAL_023.5 – P&D Heritage Grants
- BAL_023.6 – P&D Permit Revenue
- BAL_023.7 – Fuel (Carbon Tax Reduction)
- BAL_023.8 – IT Bell Contract Contingency
- BAL_023.10 – SITP/MPO savings
- BAL_023.11 – Public Works Vacancies
- BAL_023.12 – Finance and Asset Management Vacancies and Consulting
- BAL_023.13 – Corporate Fleet
- BAL_023.14 – Community Planning Studies
- BAL_023.15 – New Park Capital
- BAL_023.16 – Fleet Management
- BAL_023.17 – Station Alerting
- BAL_023.18 – Corporate Scheduling
- BAL_023.19 – Fuel Management
- BAL_023.20 – Enterprise Project Management (BT41)
- BAL_023.21 – Records Management (BT55)
- BAL_023.23 – Weekly Green Bin Collection with the following adjustment: That summer weekly enhanced collection of green cart organics service be reduced by 3 collection cycles, to include a start date of July 21 and a stop date of September 12 to achieve a savings of $420,300 in the 2025/202 operating budget.
- BAL_023.24 – Benefits Plan Redesign (under-budget adjustment). That the Benefits Plan Redesign be deferred by one year to achieve a savings of $1,000,000 in the 2025/2026 operating budget.
- BAL_026 – Community Mediation Pilot Program; using one time funding from the options reserve (Q421) with future operational funding pending a staff report
- Incorporate an increase of $1,200,000 to Planning and Development revenues
MOTION AS AMENDED PUT AND PASSED. (16 in favour, 1 against)
In favour: Budget Committee Chair Deagle Gammon, Mayor Fillmore, Deputy Mayor Mancini, Councillors Hendsbee, Kent, Purdy, Austin, White, Hinch, Morse, Cuttell, Steele, Hartling, Young, Gillis, St-Amand
Against: Councillor Cleary