Budget could see further tax increase Review sees tax rise from 4.05 per cent to 5.01 per cent

Moose Jaw taxpayers could see a higher tax increase than previously expected after the most recent operating and capital budget summary was unveiled.

The change comes out of a series of departmental funding increases from the original budget plan and would see a tax increase of 5.01 per cent, almost a full point up from the proposed 4.05 per cent. The changes include a further:

• $50,000 provide for the development of a new job evaluation plan.

• $53,000 to provide for an employee active living program.

• $70,000 for the hiring of an additional city planner.

• $60,000 for the hiring of a GIS technician.

• $95,000 for the hiring of a Project Management position.

The budget committee also saw two reductions, specifically $25,000 in the labour/contractual negotiations budget and a rebate to the city from the Worker’s Compensation Board to the tune of $45,000.

The end result is $258,000 in additional costs, for a budget deficit of $1,348,138, necessitating the extra percentage-point increase.

The solid waste utility review was also received and saw a range of funding changes, including:

• an increase from $6.57 to $7.25 per month for residential waste collection;

• a one-time increase of $72,000 to waste collection budget to recycle broken waste bins located at the city yard

• an annual increase of $10,000 to waste collection budget to recycle broken waste bins.

• a $436,000 increase to landfill operations.

The utility is also planning full implementation of the curbside and bi-weekly collection services, after seeing demonstrable improvements in waste collection in the short span since the two programs began. That decision is expected to save $489,800.

A random phone survey is being conducted in Moose Jaw through the month of February to gauge public support for curbside and biweekly services, with a full report available at the end of the month.

The waterworks and sanitary sewer utility report revealed that both find themselves under financial pressure, also necessitating funding increases. The waterworks utility rate is looking towards a 15 per cent effective May 1, while the sewer rate is seeking a six per cent increase.

The committee also approved the police service (($10,658,373), public library ($1,191,406) and Downtown Facility and Field House ($691,370) budgets.