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
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.