Saskatoon releases details of budget process ahead of deliberations

Saskatoon residents are looking at a seven per cent property tax increase in 2024, and another 5.7 per cent in 2025.

That’s according to a statement on the budget process released by the city.

But council will try and get those numbers down, as budget deliberations to come up with a two-year plan take place from Nov. 28 to Nov 30.

During a series of special budget meetings over the summer, council and administration shaved off $35 million from a $75-million shortfall. That shortfall was reduced to around $40 million over two years.

During the budget deliberations, the Saskatoon Police Service is hoping for a 6.74 per cent increase in 2024, which would bring its annual funding up to $121 million and add four new police officers to the force. The police department is also looking for a funding bump of 5.64 per cent in 2025, bringing it up to $128 million.

Meanwhile, the Saskatoon Public Library will be asking for a 3.49 per cent budget increase for 2024 and a 3.54 per cent hike in 2025.

Anyone who wants to speak at the budget review has to submit a letter before Nov. 27 at 5 p.m.

–With files from 650 CKOM’s Lara Fominoff and Shane Clausing