After a year of heated debate at city hall over budget cuts, a larger-than-expected surplus of funds means cuts to community centres and student nutrition programs are off the table, Mayor Rob Ford says.

The city’s year-end surplus for the 2011 operating budget is $154 million, which exceeded initial expectations by nearly $20 million.

While many have credited former mayor David Miller for some of the extra cash, Ford took credit for the surplus, stating it is a “direct a result of smart management as City staff implemented millions of dollars in efficiencies this year.” 

“This money will help us pay for capital purchases we need to improve transit in Toronto," the mayor said in a statement Friday.

Ford also said city manager Joe Pennachetti and budget chief Mike Del Grande managed to find the money needed to keep 58 student nutrition programs running and continue city-run programming at 12 school-based community centres—those programs had been slated to end as the mayor endeavours to cut costs.

 “[Pennachetti and Del Grande] have been able to find $2.5 million to accomplish this and will table a solution for the Budget Committee's consideration on Monday," Ford said.

The lion’s share of the 2011 budget surplus was attributed to the land transfer tax. The unpopular levy implemented by Miller brought in $320 million — $100 million more than expected. Ford has said he wants to nix the tax by the end of his term.