In an effort to minimize potential tax hike, Saskatoon city councillors send administration back to the drawing board
City councillors have asked administration to take another crack at its preliminary two-year budget figures, which included suggested property tax increases of 5.96 per cent in 2022 and 5.42 percent 2023.
The proposed increases were included in a report intended to get the ball rolling before budget deliberations begin this fall.
During a meeting of the city's governance and priories committee on Monday, councillors requested putting off setting the suggested indicative tax rate, which is a non-binding starting point for crafting the city's budget.
Instead, councillors requested administration to "undertake a deeper review" of the proposed numbers, according to a City of Saskatoon news release.
"The purpose of the review will be to further explore options to address the property tax pressure residents and businesses face in this unprecedented year, and to recognize the funds required to maintain quality services and address strategic priorities of City Council," the release said.
The committee also asked administration to report back on the possibility of funding the planned city-wide organic waste program by billing residents under a utility model instead of covering the cost directly from property taxes.
RATES WERE 'STATUS QUO'
In its news release, the city said the proposed indicative rates it presented were for a "status quo" budget where all services are maintained at present levels.The head of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce was critical of the initially proposed rates.
"Saskatoon’s economic recovery will be a business-led recovery,” said chamber CEO Jason Aebig, CEO of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.
"Our businesses are eager to recover however every new dollar in taxes will weaken their capacity to create the jobs, products and economic activity needed to fuel that recovery," Aebi said in a news release issued ahead of Monday's committee meeting.
The move to delay setting the indicative rate came the same day the Riversdale Business Improvement District claimed some businesses may not survive unexpectedly high tax bills that have come in the wake of property reassessment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.