SASKATOON – After the first day of budget deliberations in Saskatoon, nothing has been added to the budget but nothing has been removed either.
It’s making for a large property tax hike in 2014, currently proposed at 7.26 per cent, which would result in a homeowner with a house assessed at $325,000 having their property tax increase by $105 annually.
Some people are saying the increase is too much but the city says it is necessary to address issues raised in the 2013 civic survey.
The survey found one-third of those responding said roads were the most important issue facing the city.
More than half the tax hike – 4.29 per cent – is allocated to address that concern.
That increase to the transportation budget was approved, meaning more money for pot hole repairs and street sweeping along with having every residential street ploughed twice annually if needed.
Also approved on Tuesday was a ten cent transit fare increase to $3.10.
Budget deliberations continue on Wednesday, when councillors debate money for traffic sound walls and cycling infrastructure.
The budgets for the fire department and police service is also on the agenda.
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