City councillors will be making those decisions for Hamiltonians this month as they try to hack down the tax increase, now at 4.4 per cent.

Their early goal of 3 per cent or less is becoming a distant memory in the wake of the provincial budget, which fell $5 million short of expectations. The mayor is already conceding he's content with 3.5 per cent.

"I think we need to be realistic," said Fred Eisenberger, adding he expects lower increases in the future after he's had more time in office.

"The savings come after this budget."

If council was forced to cut millions from the budget to get to a lower tax increase, Eisenberger said he suspects recent enhancements would be the first to go. He's not willing to give up extras, like poverty initiatives and economic development programs, that will boost the city. Source...