Prince Albert’s budget committee spent two-and-a-half days deliberating the city’s budget going line-by-line through the General Fund.

The final recommended budget is reduced by $1.580 million from the increase that had been put forward by City Administration. The budget proposed by Administration recommended a $3.079 million increase in the amount to be funded by property tax. Following deliberations that amount is now $1.580 million.

Mayor Greg Dionne says it was a tough budget year with inflation driving up costs. He says they saw an increase of $400,000 just in insurance and provincial utility costs.

In Prince Albert’s 2023 budget, there are no cuts to existing service levels and a news release says new investments will be made in services levels for the City’s snow operations and fire department.

Some notable projects include $150,000 for playground replacement and upgrades; $210,000 for Phase 3 improvements at Little Red River Park including a warmup shelter and four accessible outdoor washrooms.

There will also be $4.1 million put to roadways for repaving city streets.

The budget recommendations will be forwarded to an upcoming City Council meeting for final approval in December.