City budget trimmed $1.8 million amid increasing financial pressures

The City of Prince Albert’s Budget Committee concluded deliberations today following 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.

A consistent theme throughout deliberations has been the serious financial pressures experienced by the City this year, including the pressures of increased salaries, wages and benefits across all work units, crime and social issues and recreation programming.

Labour Costs

“As a service organization, salaries, wages and benefits are a major cost driver for the City of Prince Albert,” said Sherry Person, City Manager for the City of Prince Albert. “In this budget alone, increases to salaries, wages and benefits for all work groups is approximately $2.5 million. These expenses are fixed and therefore create real challenges for Administration when proposing a budget that balances the need for growth, investment and improvement and keeping tax rates to a minimum.”

The budget expenses for salaries, wages and benefits include 3% for CUPE wage increases and 2.9% for Council wages in 2024.

Crime and Social Issues

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.

“Cities are facing a crisis when it comes to homelessness, policing and social issues.  We are simply not supported enough and particularly in Prince Albert where we face unique circumstances,” said Mayor Dionne. “We continue to work with the provincial government to discuss what options are available to increase support.”

Thanks to a successful application through the Federal Building Safer Communities grant, the City has hired a new wellness coordinator to specifically target and follow up on actionable items that will assist in addressing social issues in the community.

Recreation Programming

The City provides extensive services to residents in Prince Albert and area including the maintenance and operation of first class recreation centres and community clubs.

“These are important services that families rely on, but they come at a cost and the operation is subsidized by Prince Albert taxpayers,” said Mayor Dionne. 

In recognition of the recreation services and programming offered by the City, and paid for by Prince Albert taxpayers, the following motions were passed during budget deliberations:

1. Implementation of a $150 fee for non-residents at indoor facilities and $75 fee at outdoor facilities upon registration with facility user groups; and
2. Implementation of early registration access to swimming lessons for residents of Prince Albert to be offered the first opportunity to book.

These motions are subject to review by Administration with the intention of implementation in 2024.

“We have attempted to work with the RMs in the past to discuss funding support for recreation facilities that their residents benefit from,” said Mayor Greg Dionne. “Unfortunately, we did not receive a commitment so we are pursuing other options to protect the interests of our taxpayers who fund these facilities. We remain open to discussions from the RM if they are interested.”

In total, the City of Prince Albert funds $6.58 million to support families with recreation facilities and programming including:

• Alfred Jenkins Field House, Art Hauser Centre, Frank J Dunn Pool, Kinsmen Water Park,
• M. Fournier Arts Centre, Bernice Sayese Centre, Community Clubs,
• Dave Steuart Arena,
• EA Rawlinson Centre, Kinsmen Arena,
• Kinsmen Park,
• Kinsmen Ski Hill,
• Little Red River Park, Kinsmen Community Heritage Centre, Museums,
• Outdoor Sports Fields, Parks,
• Playgrounds,
• PA Golf and Curling Centre, and
• Skateboard Park.