Mid-cycle budget talks begin as Calgarians come to city hall [Video]

Mid-cycle budget week has started at Calgary’s city hall ahead of councillors deciding where to find savings and where to spend.

Just over 40 people signed up to speak on Day 1 of what will be a multi-day meeting to determine the budget for the next two years, including a proposed property tax increase of 3.6 per cent combined.

“This budget is one that’s rooted in reality,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who noted population growth and inflation are taking a bite out of the city’s budget.

In September, city administration presented to council an early look at the budget that included a 4.5 per cent property tax increase.

Since then, officials found 0.9 per cent in savings to bring the combined residential and non-residential rate down.

“So, to the people who are saying we can cut it further, I’d love for them to show me the math,” Gondek said.

“What …