Target proposed as starting point for line-by-line budget review

The Chamber is recommending a 7 per cent cost reduction across all departments and city-funded agencies as a starting point for budget deliberations over the next several months to avoid excessive and punitive property tax increases through 2024-2025.
 
“Constraint breeds creativity,” says Jason Aebig, CEO. “A clear and manageable target for cost reductions, mandated by Council, will give city administrators the direction they need to adjust staffing levels, find savings, and propose different ways of delivering programs and services.”
 
He added: “For anyone else, it’s like trying to hit a bullseye from 30,000 feet. Managers are closest to the board. Set the target and challenge their skill and insight to hit it.”
 
Like many of our businesses, the City of Saskatoon is facing inflationary pressures and wrestling with higher costs for materials, supplies, fuel and labour. And, like those businesses, the City will need to make hard choices to offset those costs and reduce spending on initiatives and hires. Scaling back plans, reducing staffing levels, innovating to deliver with less – these are the difficult steps business owners have taken to adjust to the economic climate. They expect no less from their municipal leaders.
 
“By establishing 7 per cent as a target for cost reductions, city administration can propose a benchmark budget and then Council can make trade-offs between priorities, increasing cuts in some areas to reduce cuts in others, like front-line services and investments in community safety.” explains Aebig. “Importantly, it will ensure that decisions made through the budget process deliver the outcome we all need and want: a fair and competitive tax rate that closes the gap and keeps our city growing.”
 
The Chamber’s proposal will be outlined in a letter to City Council in the coming weeks and the Chamber will continue to host member consultations as sections of the City’s budget are released for input.