Saskatchewan municipal representatives are very concerned with the government’s comments related to potential cuts to the Municipal Operating Grant (MOG) program.
Without having consulted the municipal sector, the government is indicating that MOG funding will be frozen at $167 Million, instead of the $221 Million owed to municipalities. This shortfall creates significant challenges for municipal governments nearly finished budgeting for 2010.
Speaking during a break from the SUMA Board meeting, SUMA President Allan Earle expressed disappointment that the province chose to suggest capping MOG to 2007-08 levels to the media before any prior discussion with municipalities. “That’s not how we do business, and I would expect that future consultations respect the government-to-government relationship that we’ve worked so hard to establish,” said Earle. “A deal is a deal, and I am still optimistic that the government will live up to their obligation,” he added.
The MOG formula was an agreement between the province and the municipal sector, with the Government of Saskatchewan participating as a full partner in the MOG negotiations. Through MOG, the government acknowledged its responsibility for services that are delivered to Saskatchewan residents by municipalities, including policing, transportation and economic development.
SUMA will continue to work with the City Mayors’ Caucus and all partners, ensuring that Saskatchewan municipalities receive what is owed to them.
