2016 Budget Review Begins Monday, November 30, 2015
City Council and Administration will deliberate the 2016 Preliminary Corporate Business Plan & Budget: Shaping our Financial Future on November 30, December 1, and December 3 from 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm in City Council Chambers. The proposed 2016 Budget aims to meet various challenges facing the City by improving services, expanding infrastructure investment, enhancing quality of life and addressing public safety. A number of budget related reports and initiatives are included in the Preliminary Budget Agenda.
“Our budget investments are aligned with the City’s 2013 - 2023 Strategic Plan, and support the City in meeting the goals and priorities identified in the Plan,” says Clae Hack, Director of Finance “Citizen feedback gathered through various public engagement activities held this year, reconfirmed snow and ice, road maintenance, and public safety as priority items for 2016.”
The Preliminary 2016 Budget proposes a 3.95% municipal property tax increase which is expected to generate an additional $7.47 million. If approved as is, based on the average household assessment of $325,000, the impact will be a total of $64.83 per year or $5.40 per month. Of this proposed total, more than half will go toward the Building Better Roads Campaign and traffic noise attenuation projects.
The 2016 Business Plan and Budget renews an ongoing commitment to Continuous Improvement, as the City proposes to implement approximately $1.35 million in operational efficiencies to reduce the costs associated with delivering programs and services.
The City’s budgetary planning is inspired by the idea that we invest in what matters. The financial and physical resources under our care are used to address the needs of citizens today and tomorrow – focused on our long-term goal to manage the City in a smart, sustainable way.
Full details of the entire 2016 Preliminary Corporate Business Plan & Budget can be viewed on saskatoon.ca.
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