The cost of the Mississauga judicial inquiry has topped $6 million and at least one councillor is concerned the tab could exceed its budget.

At a council meeting Wednesday, a city report stated the probe has cost just over $6.3 million. The city had budgeted $7 million.

The inquiry is looking into allegations that Mayor Hazel McCallion used undue influence while promoting a failed land deal that involved her son Peter’s company, World Class Developments.

“It’s going to go to $7 million and it could go beyond $7 million if the (inquiry) commissioner has other things he wants to investigate,” said Councillor Katie Mahoney who has opposed the probe from the start.

Mahoney’s concerns are likely unwarranted, considering all the work has been done and all that’s left is the report’s release.

Justice Douglas Cunningham is expected to do that around Labour Day.

Also at issue is the recovery of about $265,000 from Peter McCallion, which the city spent for his legal representation after he testified he could not afford to pay any of it himself, despite evidence he lives a fairly extravagant lifestyle.

A city spokesperson said council will discuss the issue once it has Cunningham’s report.

Another matter to be discussed at that time is whether the city will pursue up to $400,000 owed by World Class Developments for permits and applications. The company was able to continue with its planning despite the unpaid fees.

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