Saskatoon projects $13M in surpluses, could the money go to taxpayers?

After lengthy budget talks last week, where city councillors spent nearly 30 hours searching for savings, there's a new twist.

After lengthy budget talks last week, where city councillors spent nearly 30 hours searching for savings, there's a new twist.

The City of Saskatoon is anticipating a $3 million operating surplus and a $10.9 utility surplus at the end of this year.

The financial boost is attributed to stronger revenues in wastewater and water services, more people riding the bus — increasing transit revenue projections — and savings on snow removal this season.

The city also found savings in deferred hiring, training costs and the closure of the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre.

Coun. Darren Hill wants taxpayers to benefit from the extra money.

Hill suggests the $10.9 million surplus associated with Saskatoon Light and Power be re-invested into the infrastructure, and the surplus from the other utilities should go to residents.

"The utilities surplus from water, wastewater and garbage should be a rebate back to the residents. We should not be profiting off of those utilities. That should be cost recovery," Hill told CTV News.