No surprises in upcoming budget: Watson

Ottawa's new city council will deliver its first budget on Wednesday, but mayor Jim Watson said city residents shouldn't expect any surprises.

During last fall's election campaign. Watson promised to cap annual tax increases at 2.5 per cent and said he's had success, working with city staff, to realize that goal.

Watsontold an audienceTuesdayat the Ottawa Chamber of Commercethat council's decision to unanimously support the cap gives city staff "a road map for the future".

Watson said the budget will strike a balance between living within the city's means and providing services residents expect.

"We are not going to make one-time decisions that just prolong the agony and put us into a deeper hole next year or the year after," he said.

The police budget will be delivered at 8:30 a.m., followed by the city budget at 10 a.m.

Former mayor Larry O'Brien was elected four years ago with a promise of zero tax increases, but taxes instead increased 14 per cent during the length of his term.

Watson said during the campaign such promises were not realistic without significant cuts to public service, and instead promised to impose greater fiscal discipline at city hall.

In a largely symbolic measure, the city's financial and economic development committee voted Monday to trim the number of councillors who attend out-of-town municipal meetings, a move Watson said would save $21,000.