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City proposing four per cent tax increase for 2019

Nov 27, 2018 | 11:00 AM

North Battleford residents likely will see a tax increase next year, based on The City of North Battleford’s new proposed budget released Monday night.

The city is eyeing a four per cent property tax increase and a 4.5 per cent utility rates increase for its 2019 budget.

Finance Director Steve Brown attributed the need for the tax increase to a number of significant financial challenges in 2019 – a slow economy putting pressure on land sales, high interest costs incurred for past capital projects, and anticipated property assessment challenges for 2019, he stated in his written report.

Among some of the noteable points mentioned in the budget, the ongoing Underground Pipe and Asphalt Replacement (UPAR) program will continue again next year. The UPAR Fund investment for 2019 is set at $3.3 million, the same as in 2018. 

Some of the city’s other highlights in the package include pursuing continuous improvement initiatives. Implementing electronic water meters is also a priority. The city is also planning to incorporate a long-term infrastructure plan.  

When looking at the issue of fiscal challenges confronting municipalities in general, Brown said in his report municipal governments throughout Saskatchewan face financial stress from an “ever-increasing need to re-invest in aging infrastructure.”

He said in his report the city continues to aim to keep property taxes and utility rates reasonable. Brown added that “no one likes increases but there is an inherent danger of not budgeting for long-term actual needs of the city.” 

Budget deliberation meetings which are open to the public willl take place Nov. 28, Dec. 3 and Dec. 6, from 5 p.m. to around 9 p.m.

Here are the anticipated agendas:

The anticipated agenda for the nights are:

Wed., Nov. 28:

5 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. – General overview of budget
5:15 p.m.to 5:35 p.m.– Transit Presentation
5:35 p.m.to 5:55 p.m.– Dekker Centre presentation
5:55 p.m.to 6:15 p.m.– North Battleford Boys & Girls Club presentation
6:15 p.m.to 6:35 p.m.– Concern for Youth presentation
6:35 p.m.to 6:55 p.m.– Midwest Food Resources presentation
6:55 p.m.to 7:15 p.m.– NB Golf and Country Club presentation
7:15 p.m.to 7:35 p.m.– Humane Society presentation
7:35 p.m.to 7:55 p.m.– The Lighthouse North Battleford presentation
7:55 p.m.to 8:15 p.m.– The Learning Tree Child Development Centre presentation

Mon., Dec. 3:

5 p.m.to 5:40 p.m. – General Governance Department
5:40 p.m.to 6:40 p.m. – Fire and Protective Services Department
6:40 p.m.to 6:55 p.m. – UPAR Program Presentation
6:55 p.m.to 7:55 p.m. – Water Services Department
7:55 p.m.to 8:55 p.m. – Sewer Services Department

Thurs., Dec 6:

5 p.m.to 6 p.m.– Leisure Services Dept. (Operation & Capital Budgets)
6 p.m.to 6:30 p.m.– Infrastructure Services
6:30 p.m.to 7:15 p.m.– Planning & Development Services Dept. (Operation & Capital Budgets)

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

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