Toronto executive committee has hammered out a 2013 recommended operating budget of $9.4 billion which includes a property tax rate increase of 2% for residential and 0.67% for business properties. The budget process this year is being heralded by some as a stunning change from last year. There were increases for firefighting, paramedics, leaf pickup and for the library system and the arts. At the same time, the Ford administration insisted on retaining surplus funds for future capital projects. The mayor is said to have been in a buoyant mood following the meeting and like a man campaigning for office. The budget must now be approved by city council. Paul Moloney
