Saskatoon Chamber suggests global spending cut for city council budget shortfall

Jason Aebig said Saskatoon will need to scale back plans, reduce staffing levels and innovate to deliver with less in order to overcome forecast budget shortfall.

A recommendation of a seven per cent cut across all City of Saskatoon departments and agencies is being brought forward by the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce as the city faces future budget shortfalls.

“Constraint breeds creativity,” said Jason Aebig, Chamber CEO.

Saskatoon is facing a $52.4-million funding shortfall next year and a $23.2-million shortfall the year after, with budget deliberations taking place throughout the summer.

This has been equated to an 18.56 per cent property tax increase in 2024, and a 6.95 per cent property tax increase the following year.

Aebig called this cut a starting point for city council.

“A clear and manageable target for cost reductions, mandated by Council, will give city administrators the direction they need to adjust staffing levels, find savings, and propose different ways of delivering programs and services.”

“For anyone else, it’s like trying to hit a bullseye from 30,000 feet. Managers are closest to the board. Set the target and challenge their skill and insight to hit it,” Aebig added.

He said the city is faced with hard decisions, noting that it will need to scale back plans, reduce staffing levels and innovate to deliver with less.