Calgary city council is heading into an emergency closed-door session this week as fallout continues from the leak of confidential budget documents that revealed the scope of upcoming spending pressures facing the city.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas called the special meeting after Global News obtained preliminary budget materials showing administration's initial spending requests would require a significant property tax increase to fund. The documents, presented to council during a closed session on July 28, outlined scenarios that could lead to a 15 per cent property tax hike in 2027 if all requests were approved.
Privacy Breach Concerns
In a statement, Farkas indicated the unauthorized release raises serious concerns about data security and employee safety.
"I have reasonable grounds to believe that a serious privacy breach may have occurred, posing potential safety risks to City personnel and significant financial or legal exposure," Farkas said. "The meeting will be held in order for council to hear immediate legal advice on the potential damage, our obligations, and what action is required to protect employees and taxpayers."
The special meeting is scheduled for Tuesday morning, immediately following the Labour Day long weekend and before a packed Executive Committee agenda that will tackle downtown Green Line LRT decisions.
Controversy Over the Leak
The situation escalated Thursday when Ward 14 Councillor Landon Johnston publicly claimed responsibility for releasing the information on social media. The disclosure sparked a direct clash between Johnston and the mayor over transparency and proper budget process.
Farkas emphasized that the preliminary figures represent only administration's initial "wishlist" and that council has not made any decisions regarding property tax increases. The budget documents were meant to guide council's discussion as it directs administration to present revised spending scenarios later in the month.
Council Divided Over Distraction
Not all councillors view the situation with equal concern. Ward 7 Councillor Myke Atkinson told media Friday that the controversy has become a significant distraction from council's core governance responsibilities.
"It's pulling a lot of attention and oxygen away from the things we need to be doing as a council, and pulling them towards a bit of a circus," Atkinson said. "It's not what I want to be focused on. I want to be focused on the governance of the city."
The leaked documents have cast a shadow over city hall operations, with the budget controversy dominating discussions during Friday's committee meetings even as councillors attempt to advance other pressing city business.
Farkas's office declined to provide additional comment to media on Friday morning, deferring full discussion to the closed-door legal session scheduled for after the long weekend.
This article is based on reporting by Global Calgary. Read the original story at Global News.