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On the eve of the last budget session for this term of council, consensus still seemed elusive, as various property tax numbers floated around the corridors of city hall — including a long shot 0% — while the mayor made house calls at problem apartment buildings.

At about 4 p.m., Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly strode to a wooden lectern to announce he will be recommending an “affordable” and “balanced” budget that relies on a 2.23% property tax increase, including a Scarborough subway levy.

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No sooner had he stepped away, Councillor David Shiner took the microphone to proclaim that the city can actually freeze taxes, and not affect service.

Add to that a push by Councillor Josh Matlow to scrap the subway levy and put a pause on the project, and sparks are sure to fly when council convenes on Wednesday.

Mayor Rob Ford, meanwhile, continued to keep his plan for $50-million in savings secret, returning to his councillor playbook of proposing 11th hour changes without lining up the support.