The City of Saskatoon is forecasting a deficit of $6.8 million dollars at the mid-year forecast point when it comes to Saskatoon’s 2022 Corporate Business Plan and Budget. A report heading to today’s (mon) finance committee shows the City is projecting a $6.8 million dollar deficit half way through the budget process. Kari Smith, Director of Finance with the City of Saskatoon says rising fuel prices and a snowy start to the year were main factors that have contributed to a projected deficit. “We have about $3.5 million in fuel expenditures which are over budget. We also have about $3 million dollars in the snow and ice program and then we have some additional revenues that we will not be receiving over budget. So, some of our leisure centre revenues and parking ticket violations are below the amount we have originally predicted in our budget.”

The City says they hope to save $2.5 million dollars through cost saving measures which include reducing travel and training and not filling vacant positions that don’t need to filled right away. Today’s (Monday) finance committee begins at 2 o’clock at City Hall.