Considering how poorly the Ford government’s maiden budget was received by municipalities, the premier’s going on record as saying the one in the spring will contain ”no surprises.”

(File photo)

Doug Ford making the promise at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association’s conference.

”I’ve told our caucus and our ministers:  no surprises,” said the premier.

”Just lay it on the line, get their input, because, again, I’ve walked a mile in your shoes as a municipal councillor,” Ford added.

He was a Toronto councillor from 2010-14.

His government’s initial budget was a bust in the eyes of municipalities which were shocked by funding cuts for public health, child care and ambulance services.

After pressure from Toronto Mayor John Tory and other municipal leaders, the province walked back the cuts, postponing them until this year and offering transitional funding to help cities and towns deal with the changes.

”We’re giving a ton of money away, I feel like Santa Claus,” said Ford referring to funding announcements expected at the conference this week.