SUMA Appreciates Municipal Funding Programs in 2016-17 Budget

Urban governments in Saskatchewan appreciate the provincial government’s support for our cities, towns, villages, and northern communities in today’s budget, says the SUMA (SUMA).

“Urban municipalities understand the difficulties that come with preparing a budget with limited resources,” said SUMA President Debra Button. “We appreciate the recognition of municipalities today, through direct funding such as revenue sharing and shared funding such as the New Building Canada Fund.”

With the revenue sharing remaining as one point of the PST based on revenues from two years ago, municipalities will see $271 million, and funding remains steady for items such as policing, libraries, community rinks, the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency, and the Urban Highway Connector Program.

“This funding from the provincial government allows our cities, towns, villages, and northern municipalities to make the most of our property taxes,” says Button. “It’s a relief to know that as engines of economic growth, we can focus on putting that money into the services and infrastructure our communities need and our residents expect.”