Saskatoon city council approves budget adjustment that will see property taxes go up 3.93%
CBC
Saskatoon city council has approved adjustments to next year's budget that will see a 3.93 per cent property tax increase.
That works out to a $6.53 more a month, or $78.34 per year, for the average homeowner with a home assessed at $344,000.
City council started deliberations Monday, with the administration saying a 4.38 per cent increase would be needed to maintain the same services as this year.
But council was able to bring that number down Tuesday by deferring Saskatoon Light and Power decreases, reducing projected fuel costs by 10 cents per litre, and cutting back on money put into the city's major special events reserve.
Mayor Charlie Clark said it's a good compromise.
"As we look to the future, I think there's many elements of this budget that help us to prepare and plan and be strategic about building a strong future for our city in a world that's rapidly changing," he said.
Finding money for affordable housing was high on the agenda.
Council is transferring $550,000 in dividends from its land bank to its attainable housing program.
Ward 2 Coun. Hilary Gough said she's heard from members of the public that bolstering funds for those who need affordable housing is critical.
"[They] raised their voices to show their hearts and to really share how important it is for them that their city budget, our city budget, reflects the care that they have for their neighbours," Gough said.
"What we heard very clearly from our community is that this is not the time to slow down" on affordable housing, she said.
The budget approved Tuesday brings a $1 million investment in affordable housing for 2023, she said.
It also includes "standalone funding to do the planning work that we need to do to ensure that we're very clear about what the City of Saskatoon's role will be going forward when it comes to the entire … affordable housing spectrum," said Gough.
The 2023 budget was first passed in 2021, when council went to a two-year budget plan. It was originally to have a 3.53 per cent property tax increase.
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