The majority - 87% - of this year’s requests were approved, either as additions to the base budget or draws on reserves. We need to be more disciplined about saying no and focusing on need to haves, especially in light of the current economic climate.

Though the budget includes several need-to-have items - our contribution to the hospital redevelopment, money for infrastructure, the new Alton community centre and library, and enhanced transit service - it also includes almost $2 million in "nice-to-haves".