City of Regina proposes 4.18% tax hike in preliminary budget

The City of Regina has released its proposed budget – and you will be paying more in 2017.

Administration is proposing a 4.18 per cent mill rate increase. That works out to roughly $8.48 more each month in property taxes for a home worth $300,000.

The City of Regina has seen a significant decrease in money from the provincial government. Slower economic growth has also decreased revenue.

The mill rate increase includes a dedicated levy of one per cent to fix residential roads.

“Any of the projects from 2016 that are carried over to 2017, that money is in the budget to complete those projects, the new money this year is for brand new projects,” city manager Chris Holden said Thursday.

Ratepayers also face increases on the utility side.

Water rates will go up five per cent on March 1 and a further five percent Jan. 1, 2018.

That equates to $7.52 more a month in this year.

“That amount is reasonable, but it really is what we require, we cannot go lower that,” Holden insisted.

“It is difficult to say what future rate increases will be.”

Regina’s water source is more than 50 kilometres away, making it challenging to keep water rates comparable to other major cities.

Capital investment will total $42.9 million in 2017, a $2.6 million increase.

Planned projects include bridge and major street renewal, transit bus replacement and improvements to bus shelters. That money will also cover events like Canada Day and National Aboriginal Day.

This proposed budget is subject to council approval at a special meeting on Feb. 13.

Residents are encouraged to attend to voice their opinions.

More information can be found on the city’s website.