City council will get an update on where this year's budget is sitting at tonight’s regular scheduled meeting at city hall.
At the moment, the budget picture doesn’t look pretty. The third quarter variance report is showing a budget shortfall of more than $5 million with many departments in the red.
A late winter and ongoing legal costs are key contributors to this season’s budget woes. Council will be informed of a $1 million cost overrun in legal services, and that comes as a result of hiring external law firms and other ongoing litigation.
Another $1.3 million overrun was caused by the removal of snow in a winter that just wouldn't end.
Meanwhile EMS, golf, transit, fire services, and municipal child care are all over budget as well.
Some departments are expected to end the year with a surplus and that will be used to pay down some of the additional costs.
The filling of vacant positions will also be put off until 2014.
(Thunder Bay Television)
