The City of Prince Albert’s Budget Committee concluded deliberations Thursday after two days of line-by-line review of the General Fund this week. The final recommended budget was ultimately reduced by $1.8 million from the increase originally proposed by Administration.

The budget proposed by Administration recommended a $4.4 million increase in the amount to be funded by property tax, following deliberations, that amount is now $2.55 million.

Sherry Person, City Manager for the City of Prince Albert said in this budget alone, increases to salaries, wages and benefits for all work groups is approximately $2.5 million.   The budget expenses for salaries, wages and benefits include 3% for CUPE wage increases and 2.9% for Council wages in 2024.

Prince Albert continues to experience an increase of costs due to homelessness, crime and social issues. To support these areas, the budget committee approved an additional $759,000 to fund Police Operations to support the implementation of 45 report recommendations from the Provincial Government for a total of 29% of the City’s budget and $189,010 for security at various City facilities to respond increased reporting of incidents.

The City of Prince Albert says it had approached surrounding RMs regarding helping fund recreation services but with that not coming to fruition and in recognition of the recreation services and programming offered by the City, and paid for by Prince Albert taxpayers, a motion was passed to implement a $150 fee for non-residents at indoor facilities and $75 fee at outdoor facilities upon registration with facility user groups.

The budget recommendations will be forwarded to an upcoming City Council meeting for final approval in December. Council will meet again to review options including minimum tax rates, base tax rates and the mill rate. This review is expected in March when the final tax rates will be set for 2024.