Waterford City Council passed a budget for next year on Monday night despite the privatisation of the refuse collection service proving to be an insurmountable stumbling block for some members.
As it transpired, the book of estimates was voted through by 8 to 7 following a sometimes heated debate during which City Manager Michael Walsh felt compelled to spell out, in animated fashion, the implications of rejection.
Interestingly, the Labour trio of councillors were split on the issue, with Pat Hayes and Jack Walsh supporting the budget and Seamus Ryan opposing it.
Some verbal crossfire during the discussion prompted Mayor Mary Roche to threaten an adjournment of the meeting if it persisted. Among the accusations made was that some of those voting against were doing so for electoral reasons.
