Common Council heard earlier this week the city is in deep financial trouble as it gets set to begin the budgetary process for 2018. It is facing a shortfall of $4.4 million dollars or 6.7 cents on the tax rate. In a report to council, finance commissioner Kevin Fudge said a long-term ten year strategy is needed and Councillor Blake Armstrong said this will be a tough process, but it has to be done because it has been passed down from council to council and nothing has been done. Armstrong says as long as they are honest about the financial situation with the people they will understand. Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary says raising taxes or cutting services would be detrimental to having anyone wanting to come to Saint John to live.
