P.A. residents possibly looking at large tax increase to help fund 2024 budget

They were given over $18 million for 2023 but have asked for nearly $19.9 million for next year. This is due to an increase in salaries, contracted work, and materials.

Another reason for the projected increase in taxes is salaries, wages, and benefits for city employees. This includes the 11.5 per cent proposed increases for inside workers, currently on strike, and outside workers, who recently voted in favour of strike action if needed. Both groups have asked for a larger raise to help them keep up with inflation.

A couple of options were brought up which would help lower the overall need for more taxes, including a cut to services; however, this wasn’t a popular idea for city administration.

“We don’t believe we should cut any services,” said Sherry Person, P.A.’s City Manager.

She added this was her opinion but understands that council gets the final say.

Another option would be to reduce the overall amount of funds given to Prince Albert police. Person explained that police have never reduced their budget, unlike city departments.

So far, Police Chief Patrick Nogier hasn’t discussed their ask directly with council during budget talks.

In a presentation that outlines the police’s request and is available to the public, it showed crime trends – for violent and non-violent offences – continue to go up. This includes a nearly 17 per cent increase in assaults and eight per cent increase in robberies.

Overall, the city believes around $2 million would need to be cut from somewhere to ensure the tax increase is reasonable.

“We have a challenge. We have to have serious looks in this budget,” said Mayor Greg Dionne.

Council is slated to continue budget talks on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Two days have also been set aside for later this month.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

by Jaryn Vecchio

P.A. residents possibly looking at large tax increase to help fund 2024 budget

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