A number of councillors frustrated, wondering about months of previous work
Some shock and disbelief at the Niagara Region's budget committee as it prepared to approve the 2026 budget last week, then to be stamped by council as a whole next month.
Councillor Sandra Easton asked more time be given so new Chair Bob Gale and the CAO Ron Tripp could fully review it.
Councillor Rob Foster one of many who raised an eyebrow at that idea. "We can't even argue the fact that we have spent the last 6 months working on this bloody budget, and now, all of a sudden, at the last minute, there are a couple of councillors thinking there should be a machine gunning of what's gone on."
The idea was approved, Councillor Easton saying this ensures the budget is fully vetted.
"We could argue that Councillor Gale could've done all of his arguing at the table as a member of council, but I think we should also should be sensitive to the fact that the province wouldn't have wanted him to be involved at that level, and furthermore he didn't have the authority that he does now."

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