The Saskatchewan Party caucus and cabinet met with Regina city council Thursday to discuss the future of revenue sharing.
It was a follow up to this week’s SUMA meeting in Saskatoon where the province told municipalities to expect less in the way of revenue sharing this year.
Cities normally receive a one per cent share of the provincial sales tax, but don’t know if the planned reduced cut is the results of lower tax revenue or a change to the formula.
Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said no inside information was revealed at the meeting with the government at the legislative building, and that the city presented its case in a more robust way.
Fougere later told reporters that there are implications to municipalities.
“I am not going to solve their problem nor could I do that,” he said.
“We have some idea of approaches like larger tax changes, exemptions, etc., as opposed to program changes and cuts.”
The Saskatchewan Party caucus went on to spend the day discussing budget options in private. The premier was not available for comment following the meetings but tweeted his thanks to Regina city council, calling the exchange a good meeting.
NDP leader Trent Wotherspoon said the provincial government likely knows the direction it plans to take with revenue sharing.
“There is a consequence to this,” Wotherspoon said. “It leaves our municipalities in limbo and, ultimately, the cost is passed along to property tax payers across the province. “
Cities are also in the midst of local budget deliberations, but likely won’t be able to finalize taxation plans until revenue sharing is outlined in a provincial budget expected next month.
