by Regional Council passed what Mayor Cecil Clarke describes as a getting-by budget, yesterday.
Clarke adds the budget won’t deal with what he describes as the fundamental list of deficiencies and the infrastructure deficit the CBRM is facing.
Council approved a budget that includes 146 million dollars in operating costs and 30 million dollars for capital expenses including roads and a new fire station for Sydney.
An 80-thousand dollar study on a new police station for Glace Bay was also approved.
Police Chief Peter MacIsaac says he hopes the new council elected after this fall’s municipal election will approve construction next year.
Council voted to defer the Sydney Harbour West wastewater project until it gets clarification from Ottawa on additional operating costs.
Councillors also voted to put off a review of funding applications from community groups to its sustainability program until next month.
The budget doesn’t add to or reduce the CBRM’s overall debt.