Saskatoon City Council passes 3.93% tax increase for 2023

walterpalladNovember 30, 2022

The legislature falls roughly halfway between the 4.38% projected by city officials and the 3.53% previously passed budget.

Saskatoon City Hall. Photo by Michelle Berg /saskatoon star phoenix

The Saskatoon City Council was able to curb an initial tax increase recommended by city officials, but property taxes in 2023 will still rise more than expected.

On Tuesday night, the council voted 9 to 1 in favor of the adjusted 2023 budget, which includes a 3.93% tax increase. Word 1 count. Darren Hill was the only negative vote.

The city’s original two-year budget, passed in 2021, projected a 3.53% increase. Hill said in comments before the final vote that he was not prepared to support an increase beyond that figure.

City officials had proposed a 4.38% tax increase before the budget debate. Earl. Bev Dubois joined the budget process this week and said he would oppose any increase beyond 4%. With that in mind, she said she was “hesitantly” supporting the budget.

“There comes a time when you have to start saying no to things,” she said.

Ward 5 count. Randy Donauer took the opportunity to praise the foresight of city officials who began planning for the economic impact of COVID-19 early in the pandemic. These plans have made significant amounts available to offset lost revenue and increased costs.

“It could have been worse, and it took two years of work to sustain this speed,” says Donauer.

During the budget process, legislators vote to add new spending or potential cuts to the list for consideration. They will debate the items, hold a final vote on each list item, and give the opportunity for final discussion and questions.

Two of the most widely discussed items from Monday’s opening session made their respective lists.

The City Council voted to increase property tax contributions to the City’s Affordable Housing Program from $350,000 to $450,000. This is part of a plan to phase donations up to his $750,000 over the next four years.

Earl. Hilary Gough endorsed the proposal at a debate on Monday and backed it again on Tuesday, noting that the $750,000 goal would go back to the program’s 20-year average funding. Hill and DuBois voted against. threw

The Council voted unanimously to provide a $95,000 grant to the Saskatoon Animal Cruelty Prevention Association to support the organization’s shelter services. The SPCA runs the city’s animal sanctuary, where people’s feral animals are kept for a period of time so they can be reused. The SPCA shelter is located in the same building and is funded through charitable donations.

Donauer Eyes Vehicle Noise Limit Unveils Motion Targeting Rendering Plant

Following the budget vote, the city council unanimously voted in favor of Donauer’s motion, asking city officials to report on the development of a vehicle noise ordinance standard.

Donauer has notified it will submit a motion to an upcoming city council meeting aimed at West Coast reductions. It has since been at the center of controversy.

Noting the recent incident of pig carcasses, plus long-standing complaints from neighbors about foul odors coming from the factory, Donauer said, all due to government mandates to address city officials. and requested that it submit a report summarizing its efforts. It outlines the issues, and both city and state legal options for dealing with plants.

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