Sarnia Council has vowed to work with staff to avoid running deficits.
Councillor Mike Kelch's motion approved Monday makes it more difficult to fund shortfalls from reserves.
Kelch says there's been operating deficits each of the past three years and that is not sustainable.
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Staff has been asked to provide a quarterly listing with explanation of all financial pressures that could lead to a deficit.
The revised process begins immediately.
Efforts to establish a Contingency Operating Reserve will also continue.