FROM THE CITY OF REGINA

The City of Regina has released the Proposed 2024 Budget outlining a 2.20 per cent mill rate increase. This budget is part of the City’s two-year budget strategy, to provide residents with an estimate of future property taxes, in line with the City’s Strategic Priorities and long-term objectives.

In December 2022, City Council received and filed but did not approve a 4.66 per cent mill rate increase for 2024. Since then, City Council approved a one-time dedicated mill rate of 0.63 per cent to support the Eastern Pressure Solution, and in 2022 a 3.09 per cent reduction in property tax was introduced due to changes in funding for garbage collection, transitioning to a user-fee system through the utility. These changes resulted in an adjusted mill rate increase of 2.20 per cent.

Like many municipalities, the financial landscape of the City has changed, largely influenced by inflation and rising costs. These considerations led City Administration to reevaluate priorities, including the deferral of some capital investment projects, to bridge the funding gap while striving to achieve the City’s Strategic Priorities.

Currently, a property assessed at $315,000 pays $193.67 per month for the municipal portion of their property taxes. With the proposed 2.20 per cent mill rate, this amount would increase by $4.30 per month.

In December 2022, City Council approved a four per cent 2024 water rate increase to maintain the utility and fund the renewal of the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant. Utility customers can expect to see the water rate change and new Waste Charge on their Water & Waste bills in 2024.

Residents are welcome to appear as a special delegation when City Council considers the 2024 Budget starting on December 13, by filing a written brief with the Office of the City Clerk. Information on preparing a submission is available on Regina.ca or contact the Office of the City Clerk at 306-777-7262.

Visit Regina.ca/budget to learn more about the Proposed 2024 Budget.