The proposed cuts in a reworked 2016 city budget are not as deep as the draft budget that came before Common Council last Monday.
It’s proposed Saint John Transit receive 7.2 million dollars next year which represents an increase of 100 thouaand dollars. That may be more money but not enough to maintain the current level of service. Transit Commission Chair Donna Reardon is hoping when the Parking Commission and Transit come under the same umbrella, there will be a change in the way public transit is funded so it’s more predictable.
The proposed budget has the police department receiving 24.2 million dollars, 50 thousand dollars less than this year instead of the 270 thousand dollar reduction that was in the draft budget.
The proposed fire department budget next year would amount to 21.7 million dollars, five thousand dollars less than this year. The draft budget proposed a 90 thousand dollar cut for fire.
