Budget deliberations are underway at Moncton City Hall today, as Council debates the 2016 budget.
A tax hike of 1.5 cents is being discussed to help offset shrinking provincial equalization payments, and a cooling real estate market which means lower property tax revenue.
Despite City staff finding $3 million in cuts this year, the proposed budget has increased by 2.5 percent, or $3.7 million.
Mayor George LeBlanc says a tax increase is not the preferred option but warns tough decisions have to be made.
LeBlanc adds in his eight years as Mayor, Council has held the line on raising taxes four times, and lowered taxes three times.
