City council approves new budget ahead of schedule

TORONTO, Ont - The debate over the new budget was scheduled for four days but it only took two to green light the city's new $13-billion spending plan.

Mayor Rob Ford's first budget made it through virtually untouched.

"I want to thank the thirty councillors that supported the budget," Ford said.

Councillor Joe Mihevc was one of 14 to vote against it, comparing the new budget to Michael Jackson's moonwalk.

"Walking backwards while he was looking like he was walking forwards. This budget pretends to go forward but it really puts us in a difficult position for next year," said Mihevc.

However there was an uproar at city hall as councillors made their way through a second day of budget meetings.

Under fire was a proposal to spend $3-million on external consultants for next year's budget process.

It was a part of Mayor Ford's pledge to stop the gravy train, which included hiring outside consultants.

However when learning the price tag many councillors began to wonder if this was the right decision, including Councillor Gord Perks.

"Why, when we have so many resources to help us do our job, why on earth would we enrich some private consulting firm?" said Perks.

Defending the spending, Councillor James Pasternak said that with a $9.4-billion  budget, more hands are needed.

"It is extremely difficult for our staff to review (the budget) and make sure it's being spent as effectively as possible," said Pasternak.

Some councillors say the money used for these consultants could be used to save libraries and TTC bus routes.