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Mayor Rob Ford began moving a slew of motions for the 2014 budget, from cancelling some tree planting and scrapping a $500,000 splash pad at Exhibition Place, to asking low-income people to pay a modest amount for recreation programs and removing security guards from libraries. He wants to get rid of a general expense budget for councillors — a slush fund, according to the Fords — and the travel budget, suggested cutting managers, and new heritage staff.

“We can’t give everything away for free, programs are not for free. If you use the program, you should pay a minimum cost for it,” the mayor bellowed, before he got into a shouting match with Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon over trees and the ice storm.

“I just can’t comprehend how you think sometimes, councillor,” Mayor Ford said to the Beaches-East York McMahon. “Right back at you,” she fired back.

The meeting adjourned early for lunch after a dispute arose over whether all his proposals were in order, since he did not have time to read the complete list. The city clerk said he did not follow proper procedure, and the Fords later accused her of not telling the truth.

The mayor already lost one fight when council voted on Wednesday to increase residential property taxes by 2.23% this year. He wants 1.75%. On Thursday Mayor Ford returned to fighting form, spelling out where he thinks the savings can be found. He wants to charge residents who qualify for a “welcome policy”, which entitles them to free recreation programs, $14 a registration so they will have some “skin in the game.”