BUDGET REPORTS FOR DELIBERATION

For Release: November 21, 2014

As outlined during the presentation of Sustaining the Saskatoon Advantage, the Preliminary 2015 Business Plan and Budget, a number of reports and initiatives, are forthcoming for the Budget deliberations set for December 2 and 3, 2014. 

Here are some of the items up for debate:

Service Saskatoon – 311/Customer Relationship Management System

Annual Report on the 2013 – 2022 Housing Business Plan
Watermain breaks – Summer 2013 (Administration report re: adequacy of the number of water trailers)
Capital Construction at the Saskatoon Minor Football Field at Gordon Howe Park
Major Projects report – 2014 Update
Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan – 2015 Capital Budget  Request
Solar City
University Bridge Rehab

Rates and fees for a number of services including:

- Rates for indoor arenas
- PotashCorp Playground Rides
- Sportsfields
- Woodlawn Cemetery
- Business Licences
- Leisure centre admissions, programs, and rentals

Investments such as these are aligned with the City’s 2013 - 2023 Strategic Plan so the City can meet the goals and priorities identified in the Plan.

The Preliminary 2015 Budget proposes a 7.32% municipal property tax increase that will generate an additional $7 million for the City of Saskatoon. If approved as is, this means an additional $9.50 per month for a property owner with an average house Assessment Value of $325,000.

Breakdown of the Proposed 2015 Property Tax Increase:

The proposed Operating Budget includes a 4.10% property tax increase, plus a 0.3% property tax phase-in base for debt repayment planned for sound attenuation wall construction projects, as well as the second of a three-year phase-in of a dedicated property tax for roadways of 2.92%. The breakdown of the net property tax changes by major category is as follows:

Civic Operations - 1.49%
Capital Contributions - 1.81%
Fire Services - 1.32%
Police Services - 2.46%
Total Municipal Increase - 4.10%

Dedicated Road Tax - 2.92%
Sound Attenuation - 0.30%

Total Proposed
Property Tax Increase - 7.32%

As noted, the Preliminary 2015 Corporate Business Plan and Budget will be reviewed at a Meeting of City Council at 1:00 p.m. on December 2 and 3, 2014 in City Council Chambers.

Once approved by City Council, the Corporate Business Plan and Budget will guide the investment activities, projects, and service levels the City of Saskatoon will implement and achieve in 2015.

Copies of the Preliminary 2015 Corporate Business Plan and Budget will be available at all libraries or online at www.saskatoon.ca – look under “B” for Budget.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

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