SAINT JOHN, N.B.- A draft operating budget for 2013  was presented to city councillors at last nights Common Council meeting.
 
If city council adopts the shared risk pension model and gets some relief from past pension expenses then the city’s budget for 2013 will be what many will call a good news budget.

It does not contain a tax increase.

Mayor Mel Norton says if the new budget gets final approval there is good news for the citizens of Saint John.”A new commitment going into roads”, says Norton. “Things like improved transit service, improved economic development, improved recreational funding in terms of support for not only the YMCA but also the community grants. My hope and my belief is the public will see that this budget is reflective of what we’ve heard”.
 
The Saint John Fire Department will see half-a-million dollars cut from its budget while police will see an increase.