SASKATOON — The City Council's Governance and Priorities Committee is intensifying efforts to narrow the funding gap within the 2024-2025 budget. On Tuesday, Aug. 15, the GPC and the administration's Special Budget Meeting will delve into the Multi-Year Business Plan and Budget to address the fiscal challenges.
During its Special Budget Meeting on , the GPC had already devised measures to slash $21.6 million from the 2024 budget and $1.6 million from the 2025 budget. The administration had undertaken thorough evaluations and forecasts of revenue and expenditure for both years, drawing from the latest available data.
With next week's approaching Special Budget Meeting, the updated budgetary shortfall figures will be deliberated: a deficit of $26.2 million in 2024 and $19.3 million in 2025. Consequently, this adjustment curtails the projected tax hike if no further mitigation strategies are introduced, commencing at 8.92 per cent for 2024 and 6.01 per cent for 2025, respectively.
"Efforts are persistently underway in a transparent and public manner to tackle the financial strains on the horizon as we approach the Council's budget discussions for 2024/2025 in November this year," remarked Finance Director Kari Smith.
On Aug. 15, the GPC will evaluate business line reports concerning Transportation, Community Support, Saskatoon Fire, Environmental Health, Taxation and General Revenue, Land Development, Arts, Culture and Events Venues, Recreation and Culture, and Urban Planning and Development.
Furthermore, the city council has sought expedited draft budgets from the Saskatoon Police Board of Commissioners and the Saskatoon Library Board, aiming to incorporate them into forthcoming budget deliberations.
The complete for the Special Budget Meeting is open for perusal. As is customary, the meeting will be aired live. For access, please visit the designated .
Members of the public keen on submitting letters or arranging personal attendance at the Aug. 15 Special Budget Meeting must finalize these arrangements by 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14.
For further information regarding 2024/2025 Multi-Year Budget & Business Plan, including comprehensive responses to frequently asked questions and illustrative charts and graphs, kindly visit .
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