The province is spending money to find money. $7.35 will be shared among large municipalities and school boards to find efficiencies as the province tries to reduce an almost $12 billion deficit. The offer to pay for expert audits comes as municipal leaders have warned that recent provincial cuts will result in layoffs , service cuts and possible tax hikes. Premier Doug Ford was asked about the timing of the announcement that comes after most budgets have already been set. “I don’t think it’s unfair at all, we’re asking to work with them as a partner,” said the Mayor at a speech in Ajax. Ford also says that for now, the program is voluntary. In responding to an open invitation from John Tory, the premier says he’ll sit down with the Mayor any time to discuss recent funding cuts. Tory says the city already does annual audits and another one won’t make any difference.