City proposes 4.3% property tax increase as 2015 budget takes shape

REGINA – The City of Regina is proposing a tax increase of 4.3 per cent in the 2015 budget.

The proposed budget was released on Friday, and City Administration is recommending a 3.3 per cent general tax increase, with an additional 1 per cent increase dedicated to fixing residential streets.

“(We’re) mindful that people don’t like to see their taxes go up but we also have to run the city,” said Mayor Michael Fougere.

The City Utility rates are also proposed to go up by 8 per cent, with investments going to support Regina’s water and sewer systems.

“The 3.3 per cent mill rate increase reflects a balanced approach to addressing the demands of a growing economy and continuing to provide the services that contribute to the quality of life of Regina residents,” said City Manager Glen Davies.

“The 8 per cent utility rate increase provides the funding necessary to meet legislative requirements and Council’s service objectives for water, wastewater and drainage.”

The city says it’s also budgeting for a potential solution to the on-going pension dispute.

“We have certain assumptions based on what we believe to be the proper solution, which is part of the negotiations. If the pension is resolved within the parameters of those assumptions, there are costs built in to this budget,” said Davies.

Here are some other items proposed in the budget:

• Commitment to keeping property taxes as affordable as possible.
• Dedicating 1 per cent increase to improving local streets.
• Supporting a record-level investment in road infrastructure, with $18 million directed towards our priority street system.
• Increasing the capital incentive to support the development of low-income housing from $10,000 to $15,000 per door.
• Assigning eight police officers to patrol duties to enhance front-line delivery of service and additional support for police operations.
• Investing $3 million to purchase six accessible buses.
• Providing a record $8.9 million investment for winter road maintenance.
• Continuing construction of the new Mosaic Stadium.
• Continuing construction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will realize a savings of $247.5 million over the 30-year life of the project agreement.
• Drainage area work will address issues in the South Albert Park and Cathedral neighbourhoods, including Edward Street.
• Continuing emphasis on efficient ways to renew underground infrastructure, such as relining of sewer and drainage pipes.

The proposed 2015 budget and any amendments to it will be considered at the December 8th city council meeting.

If residents are concerned with the budget and would like to speak at Council, they must fill out a written brief with the Office of the City Clerk no later than noon on Thursday, December 4th.