Windsor budget secrecy sparks call for review

Windsor Civic Group Calls for Budget Review

A civic engagement group in Windsor claims that parts of the city’s budget process undermine democracy because discussions occur behind closed doors. The group is seeking an independent review of items in Mayor Drew Dilkens’ proposed budget that are labeled as in-camera issues.

Understanding In-Camera Issues

In-camera issues are items discussed only by council and select staff members without public presence due to their sensitive nature. The proposed 2026 budget, released last month, promises no change to property tax bills but includes 206 changes in the operating budget. There are 53 items listed as in-camera decisions related to labour relations.

Concerns Over Transparency

Josh Sankarlal, co-chair of Engage Windsor, wants an outside organization to review whether these items comply with legislation allowing private discussions. “There’s $9 million in public funds that we’re talking about and no one at the city can tell us what the $9 million dollars are,” said Sankarlal. This figure includes total amounts, both increases and decreases, associated with the items.

Impact on City Services

These proposals would lead to a net cut of over $6 million to Windsor’s operating budget. One item includes a $2.6-million cut to the city’s operating budget linked to the Housing and Children’s Services department. “Housing and child care, that’s important to tons of people… people deserve to know what that $2.6 million cut is,” Sankarlal stated.

Legal Framework for In-Camera Meetings

The group has asked the Ontario ombudsman’s office to remind Dilkens and council of the legal threshold for holding in-camera meetings. Municipalities in Ontario must follow the Municipal Act, which states that meetings should be open to the public except in limited cases. There are 14 exceptions, including labour relations, that allow for in-camera discussions, but they are not mandatory.

Ombudsman’s Recommendations

Ontario’s ombudsman’s office has investigated complaints about in-camera items in Amherstburg and Essex. The office recommends that councils provide general details about discussions, stating that merely listing exceptions does not comply with the legislation. A spokesperson for the ombudsman’s office noted that complaints should be filed with Windsor’s closed meeting investigator, Aird & Berlis LLP.

Budget Preparation and Public Involvement

Agendas for council meetings are created by the mayor’s office and the city clerk’s office. The budget is prepared by city staff under Dilkens’ direction. CBC News has requested an interview with the mayor’s office, the clerk’s office, and the city of Windsor communications team regarding the in-camera designations. A spokesperson replied that they are working on a response.

Budget Details and Public Reaction

A dollar value is associated with each item and its department, but the specifics of in-camera items remain unclear as summaries are grayed out. Dilkens has stated that this budget aims for a zero percent tax increase by eliminating vacant jobs. Past budgets have detailed how many full-time equivalent positions would be affected by in-camera items, but this budget does not.

Public Advocacy and Future Discussions

Sankarlal emphasized that in-camera items can impact city services and taxpayers should be involved in discussions. He cited last year’s discussion about eliminating Windsor’s tunnel bus as an example of an in-camera item that should have been public. Public advocacy led to it being discussed openly, which ultimately resulted in the service’s end.

Next Steps for the Council

Council is expected to hear public opinions on the budget during a meeting on Monday. Councillors can propose amendments to the budget until January 30. If a majority approves those amendments, Dilkens can veto them. However, city council can override the veto if eight members vote in favor.