Windsor's budget is well underway. Here's what some councillors, and an expert, think so far

Windsor's budget process may be complete as soon as this week. It's the first such budget drafted by Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens under newly expanded mayor powers granted last year. 

Councillors we spoke with say the system brought plenty of changes — and one expert says how the system will operate can change from one city to another. 

This year marks the first that Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens personally prepared the budget with staff. 

A power granted under provincial legislation last year that award mayors of large and medium-sized cities expanded powers in a bid to increase housing. 

Dilkens said he believes the budget "found the balance," between services and a large tax increase. 

"[The] process that we used, it was much more efficient and so it was open for council to ask any question on the operating budget, any question on the capital budget," he said, noting he also attended every ward meeting. "I met with every single member of council in advance of preparing the budget."

On Monday council met for more than five hours to hear presentations on the operating and capital budgets, and to propose amendments to the budget Dilkens had prepared. 

For example an amendment brought up monday included a proposal not to extend enforcement on downtown parking. Amendments such as this have to have the support of council to be considered by the mayor. 

From here, the mayor has 10 days to veto an amendment — and council can override that veto with a two-thirds majority for 15 days afterward.

In the case of the parking enforcement amendment, it was accepted by council but the mayor has the option to veto it if he so chooses.  

Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino and Ward 6 Coun. Jo-Anne Gignac both noted the differences in this year's budget process.

Agostino, who brought forward the parking enforcement amendment, said Monday's process was "one thousand times better," than last year's budget deliberations.  

"I hate to proclaim that it was good or bad until it's over. We don't know that the process is finished," he said. 

"But I think it was new to everyone this year and I can only see it getting better as time goes on.