SASKATOON — The city council is gearing up to tackle the projected 2024-2025 property tax funding gap with a series of reports to be presented by the administration. The multi-year budget process, which commenced in March, aims to explore various avenues to reduce the funding shortfall.
The reports, set to be unveiled during the city council's Special Budget Meeting on July 25, will present several options to mitigate the impact of property tax. These Special Budget Meetings allow early discussions and solutions to be proposed to the administration, which can then incorporate changes into the Preliminary Business Plan and Budget documents scheduled for consideration by the Council in November.
Facing significant budget adjustments and challenges, the city aims to bridge the estimated funding gaps for 2024 and 2025. A Budget Status Update Information Report will be presented during the July 25 meeting, outlining revised funding requirements over the next two years to maintain current service levels.
Chief Financial Officer Clae Hack emphasized that the administration is committed to full transparency throughout the budgeting process. The revised funding gaps for 2024 and 2025 now stand at $50.9 million and $21.7 million, respectively, compared to the previously reported figures of $52.4 million and $23.2 million. Without intervention, these new gaps would translate to a 17.33 per cent and 6.25 per cent property tax increase for 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Hack stressed that these early figures do not represent finalized or proposed property tax increases. Instead, they are essential to the city's forward-looking budget process, supporting service delivery, community safety, growth, and attracting new residents and businesses.
To identify savings and reduce the funding gap, the Governance and Priorities Committee will meticulously scrutinize expenses, revenues, and historical budget increases/allocations in various sectors, including transportation, community support, the Saskatoon Fire Department, environmental health, taxation and general revenue, land development, and arts, culture, and events venues.
In response to prior resolutions from the City Council, the administration will present several Information Reports during the meeting. These reports will cover the municipal comparison of Full-Time Equivalent employees, the potential impacts of a City-wide hiring freeze, and the city's temporary workforce status.
The full agenda for the Special Budget Meeting on July 25 is available for review, and the meeting will be live-streamed for public access. Individuals who wish to submit letters or request to appear in person at the meeting have until Monday, July 24, at 5 p.m. to arrange for this opportunity. The GPC will convene its third Special Budget Meeting on Aug. 15 at 9:30 a.m.
For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/budget.
