Budget vote expected Monday

SAINT JOHN, N.B.- It looks like Saint John will finally have a budget next week.

News 88-9 has learned Common Council will debate and vote on a budget at Monday's open session at City Hall.

Councillors have been wrestling with the decision, in part because of the outstanding issue of pension reform.

The City is still seeking provincial approval for changes to its pension plan that will help it deal with a massive deficit.

Council says it has a 143-million-dollar budget ready, assuming the city gets that pension endorsement from Fredericton.

But it also took time in recent weeks to look at a worst-case scenario, where a rejection from the province adds a nine-million-dollar expense to the budget.

Council has also faced criticism from fire fighters, whose department faces cuts.

Budget discussions are expected to continue tomorrow, ahead of Monday's vote.