Donauer doesn’t expect to like the answers, but wants options for cutting spending
With budget talks looming, Saskatoon’s finance committee is looking for ways to save money.
The City is looking at proposed indicative property tax rate of 5.96 per cent in 2022 and 5.42 per cent in 2023.
A city report says those numbers include phase-in funding for both the Bus Rapid Transit and the solid waste and organics program and maintaining existing services.
The indicative rate can be changed during City Council budget deliberations, which are scheduled for November.
During a special finance committee meeting on Tuesday, city administration said non-tax revenues have not kept up with expenditures which is putting more pressure on property taxes to make up the shortfall.
Coun. Randy Donauer voiced concerns about the proposed property tax increases considering how many residents and businesses have struggled since the pandemic began.
“I do think that there is an appetite, until we get through this and there is a healthy economy in Saskatoon, I think that City Hall might need to take more drastic measures. And so I’m more on the page of let’s bring some of our expenditures down.”
Donauer wants to know what options there are to reduce spending, which may include looking at service levels.
“I would like some reports back with some options. I’m probably not going to like that report. And it probably will create no small stir in the community. It usually does. But I actually do think I owe it to my residents to debate and decide those tough decisions.”
Mayor Charlie Clark said he understands the budget challenges the city is facing.
“I hear and see and experience the stress of what were facing when it comes to this budget coming up. And I also take very seriously the reality of the structural issues that we’re facing.”
Clark noted the last couple of property tax increases have been relatively low compared to previous years.
The committee approved a motion from Donauer asking administration to report back on what other cities like Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg have done to reduce property tax increases.
Coun. Bev Dubois put forward a motion for administration to report back on capital and operational spending approved by city council not related to core services, which was also passed by the committee.
A date for a future special finance committee meeting will be set to discuss the information in those reports.
Do you have a story idea or news tip? Email us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.