CITY ENCOURAGES CITIZENS TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON PROPOSED 2016 BUDGET

Spend more, spend less or spend about the same? The City of Saskatoon wants public input on Shaping Our Financial Future and is providing more information about how the budget is built to encourage residents to get involved.

“We’ve made strides to ensure our planning for the 2016 Corporate Business Plan & Budget is even more transparent and accountable this year,” says Clae Hack, Director of Finance. “Through public education and more participation opportunities, citizens are contributing and helping shape Saskatoon’s financial future.”

The City is inviting citizens to take a few minutes to participate and have their say by using a new and easy-to-use interactive and educational online tool. Citizen Budget is available at saskatoon.ca/citizenbudget

Citizen Budget shows residents how building the City’s annual budget requires balancing affordability for taxpayers with the delivery of City services and service levels residents expect.

“There are many challenges that come with a growing city. Within the annual budget, funding choices must be made between what the community wants and needs and what the City can afford,” says Hack.

Citizen Budget is available online but will also be showcased at the Saskatoon Fall Home Show October 23 – 25 with the goal of encouraging show attendees to participate. A budget display in the lobby of City Hall also provides an opportunity to provide written comments.

City Administration and City Council will consider citizen priorities and preferences gathered through Citizen Budget prior to Council deliberations, scheduled for November 30, December 1 and 3, 2015.

Citizen Budget builds on public engagement activities earlier this year. The City introduced a new budget video series to help residents better understand the budget process and how their property taxes work. This past summer, citizens also had the opportunity to provide input into the preliminary budget through public engagement opportunities