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By: Nick Liard

Sudbury City Councillors will no longer determine how the Healthy Community Initiatives Funds are given out.

Traditionally the HCI Funds –often referred to as slush funds– were divided amongst the ward councillors, but that will change.

A city staffer with Leisure Services will now distribute the funds to community projects.

Mayor Brian Bigger says most requests fall under the category of Leisure Services so it only made sense.

Ward 9 Councillor Deb McIntosh is one of a few councillors who vowed not to touch the funds until a decision was made.

That meant many community projects were in limbo awaiting a decision.

She says Ward 9 and other wards thank council for deciding on this.

Residents and local groups must still apply for the funds, as per usual.

HCI funds had provided $50,000 to each of the 12 Wards, but come January 1, 2016 that $600,000 will move to Leisure Services.