Crunching the numbers, council begins deliberating multi-year budget

For the next three days, Saskatoon councillors will decide how to spend the city’s money.

Heading into deliberations, the proposed property tax hike sits at 3.23 per cent for 2020 and 3.54 per cent in 2021, but council can make changes as it debates each item of the two-year budget.

The big items to watch for is funding for additional officers and $152.7 million for a new central library, including an $87.5 million loan.

The library board’s ask is far from certain after councillor Troy Davies announced he was preparing a motion to table at budget talks asking for a small, less expensive project.

Saskatoon police have asked for 15 new officers over two years, including eight to help manage a safe consumption site opening in the New Year near St. Paul’s hospital.