The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) wants the Saskatoon city council to reduce its spending further to prevent increasing taxes. .This proactive approach will help prevent the need for tax hikes and ensure the financial well-being of taxpayers..“Taxpayers can’t afford to pay any more to fund Saskatoon’s bloated budget,” said Gage Haubrich, Prairie director of CTF Prairie Director..“City council can’t keep forcing taxpayers to finance its spending spree.”.READ MORE Saskatoon city council spends $612,000 on ‘equity, diversity, inclusion’.During the special budget meeting on July 25, it was determined that the expected deficit would be $22 million in 2024 and $2 million in 2025..As a result, there would be a 10% increase in property taxes in 2024 and a 6% increase in 2025..Due to these deficits, the average homeowner would need to pay an additional $390 in property taxes in 2025..Since 2018, the city has increased property tax rates by 19%..During the same time period, the city hired 275 more bureaucrats over the course of those five years. Additionally, the city's spending increased by 13%..Nearly half of homeowners are facing difficulties in paying their monthly housing costs..“Mayor Charlie Clark and city council have been passing the buck to Saskatoon taxpayers for too long,” said Haubrich. .“It’s time for Clark and council to recognize that taxpayers are tapped out and can’t afford any more tax hikes.”
