For the second year in a row the City of Saskatoon’s preliminary budget calls for a tax increase above seven per cent with most of it going toward roads and the police and fire services.
The proposed budget released Monday includes a 7.32 per cent tax increase, including a dedicated road levy of 2.92 per cent.
Mayor Don Atchison knows tax increases are not always popular but he says the proposed budget responds to the demands of city residents.
“What we heard in the last election is people wanted better roads and we are going to provide that for them. It's certainly not free,” Atchison said.
The road levy is identical to the one approved last year. It would add $5 million to roadway funding, bringing total spending to $53 million, including $38 million for maintenance of roads and sidewalks. It also includes $1 million increase for snow and ice management.
"It’s a built-in annual investment, a significant increase that’s going to allow us to begin getting ahead on the roadways,” said Jeff Jorgensen, the city’s transportation and utilities manager.
Capital investments include a combined $70 million for the Boychuk Drive and McOrmand Drive interchanges and $8 million for repairs to the University Bridge.
The police service is looking for an additional $4.5 million with most going to salary increases as well as 10.5 new positions, including eight patrol officers.
A new contract for firefighters has the fire department asking for an extra $2.7 million over last year.
“Emergency services are a tough one. They are a challenge that every city in Canada is facing and the rising cost of emergency services is certainly an issue," said city manager Murray Totland.
“Let’s look at what our citizens said were important. It was roads and public safety and emergency services, and I think the budget responds to that.”
City council’s budget deliberations are scheduled for Dec. 2-3.
