‘I won’t be micromanaged’: Councillors, staff at odds over Cambridge budget process
Posted Nov 18, 2025 07:29:11 AM.
Last Updated Nov 18, 2025 10:33:18 AM.
Councillors at the City of Cambridge had their first opportunity to propose amendments to the 2026 Strong Mayor Budget at a meeting on Monday.
The budget, which was presented at the end of October, includes a 4.86 per cent property tax increase, an average increase of $85 per household, and $103 million in capital investments.
Now, councillors have an opportunity to propose amendments to this budget following public delegations back on Nov. 6. Following these amendments, Mayor Jan Liggett will have an opportunity to veto any amendments before the budget is passed.
Five amendments were tabled, including one from Councillor Helen Schwery, which would see the Soper Park Outdoor Recreation Complex project, a nearly-$11-million-dollar build, moved to 2027. As it exists in the current, unamended budget, the recreation complex accounts for 2.06 per cent of the potential increase to property taxes next year.
Amendments proposed by councillors were allegedly blocked heading into this meeting, with some confusion as to why. A number of councillors alleged that amendments were blocked by staff because councillors didn’t confer with members of city staff to discuss the implications of their amendments.
As this is a new process for the City of Cambridge, adjustments have been made to how it will work, and City Manager Rob Axiak noted that going forward, motions will not be blocked because of a lack of engagement between councillors and staff.
“Staff aren’t saying blocked, staff are saying support,” said Axiak. “We are here to support council members to make good, sound decisions. That’s all we’re here to do. We want to be here to support you, that’s our job, that’s our obligation to the city and to yourselves.”
Councillor Adam Cooper noted that he was “disturbed” at the concept of amendments proposed by councillors being blocked because of a lack of consultation from staff, a sentiment with which Councillor Mike Devine agreed.
“We have nine people in this room that are elected for four years to represent this community and make decisions,” said Councillor Devine. “We can all, if we all choose to, we can all turn it over to staff and nod our heads and say ‘yes, yes, yes, yes.’ Well, I’m sorry, that’s not what I’m here for.”
“Personally, I don’t need staff micromanaging my motions, I will go to staff if I need help or assistance, but I won’t be micromanaged, and none of us should be.”
Cambridge isn’t the only city where the mayor has elected to use Strong Mayor Powers to propose a budget. Mayors in Guelph, Collingwood, Orillia, Sarnia, Cornwall and more have all elected to take this route, and in Windsor, the mayor proposed a budget that presents a 0 per cent tax increase for residents next year.
These amendments and more will come back for a budget meeting on Nov. 24.
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