Yorkton council expects increase in property taxes in upcoming budget, inflation playing a factor
Residents in Yorkton may be wondering where the upcoming city budget is, and what is expected from it. On Tuesday, Mayor Mitch Hippsley said council is taking its time to dissect both its operating and capitol budgets for the 2023 year.
“With (the) capitol (budget), we've had one major meeting and it was held last week, and we looked at all the numbers and nothing has been finalized, but its well in the works,” he said.
“Next week, city council will be sitting down, looking at the operational (budget) and that's the part that we're very concerned about.”
Typically, preliminary budgets are tabled in mid-November, but concerns surrounding inflation is forcing council to sharpen its pencil to cut costs for taxpayers, according to Hippsley.
“That's without us even saying yes to any project yet. That's just what the cost for the materials are. So inflation is playing a huge role in what's happening here to us in Yorkton, and as well as it is everywhere else,” he said.
In terms of increases for taxpayers, Hippsley said everyone expects zeros, but council is “shooting for another one per cent,” hike in both operational and capitol increases.
“We did not know that this was going to happen post-COVID with inflation. So where we're at, we don't know, because we haven't had that first meeting yet (on operational costs) but be prepared — there's going to definitely be some increases,” he said.
Hippsley said the goal is to reach a preliminary budget to be released to the public by Dec. 31, but council does not want to rush a decision.
He said the inflationary pressures are hitting all municipalities, and added that larger cities may be hitting five to six per cent increases — but council does not want an increase of that magnitude.
Hippsley said council is looking carefully at the Columbia Park Development, which includes a pump track, more commonly known as a BMX Park.
He said council may have to take concessions on the project, and have looked into what can be moved to ease the cost on tax payers.
“But it hasn't been written in stone yet,” Hippsley assured.
The project would also include two basketball courts with lights, park benches, paved pathways and additional greenery for the park.
During Monday’s council meeting, a review of water and garbage pick up showed a slight increase for residents, which is now set in stone.
Hippsley said it will be effective Jan. 1, 2023, and will increase by three to four per cent of its current costs.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.