Municipality estimates $900k surplus
Posted Sep 17, 2015 06:23:15 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – Halifax Regional Municipality estimates it will end the year $900,000 in the black.
Figures from the first quarter of the fiscal year show more than $2 million in projected savings from vacant positions.
According to The Chronicle Herald however, the money from those positions will be offset by more than $1 million in overtime costs for the year, mostly at Halifax Regional Fire.
Councillor Linda Mosher tells The Herald the update paints a rosy financial picture, but adds the surplus is because of vacancies, while the City’s customer service is suffering.
She said hiring fire services needs to be a priority after Council’s decision on fire protection.
HRM’s Chief Accounting Officer, Richard Butts, said the employment turnover is within the normal range and they’re filling positions all the time.
In terms of fire positions, Butts said a class for new hires is starting soon, but the process could take a while.
