Taxpayers in Swift Current officially know what to fully expect for the next year. 

Last night's City Council meeting saw the release of the City of Swift Current's 2017 budget, which was unanimously approved by Council.

Of note, the city's capital budget sits at $26,585,849 - a 4.7% increase. As well, the city's operational budget has increased 3.4%, now sitting at $28,681,095.

The city's 4.7% increase in the capital budget is not a guaranteed figure, according to Mayor Denis Perrault.

"Two of the projects in the capital budget are contingent on us getting Building Canada funding. So should those not happen, that reduces our capital by a dramatic number," he said.

As well, there were three key pressures to the operational budget, which Mayor Perrault clarifies are out of the City of Swift Current's control. They account for the entire 3.4% increase of the operational budget.

  1. Revenue Sharing Decrease (1.24%) - The downturn in the Provincial economy has resulted in lower PST revenue, which will mean a Swift Current’s PST revenue share will decrease by $173,000.
  2. RCMP Contract Increase (1.83%) - The RCMP Union Agreement expired end of 2014 resulting in an agreement that will account for 2015, 2016, and 2017 staff increases in the City's budget.
  3. Labour Increase (0.33%) - This year sees added costs due to the honouring of signed labour agreements.

Projected for the upcoming year is an 8.76% tax increase, with 6% of that increase being part of the City's financial strategy - an annual increase. The financial strategy is in place through 2018.

However, Mayor Perrault says that dealing with percentages is difficult to assess, especially when compared with other cities' tax increases.

"Percentages in themselves are actually tough things to look at. The City of Swift Current takes in about $13 million of tax revenue - Yorkton takes in $23 million of tax revenue. So a percentage increase for them is very different than a percentage increase for us, even though we've got the same population." 

The first-term Mayor says he'd rather look at the statistics as dollar figures.

"I'm sure that's what the public would most like to know. An average taxpayer - an average home here in Swift Current- is likely going to see a $10.83 increase per month, or $130 per year," he said.

Mayor Perrault explains that efficient spending has led Swift Current residents to a comfortable tax situation.

"We are, without a doubt, the lowest-taxed city in the entire province - it's happened as a result of efficiencies,"

However, the city's budget theme of "Responsible Renewal" means the efficient spending will have to include some major maintenance infrastructure projects.

"Unfortunately, there's some infrastructure concerns we can't say no to anymore. Our bridges are one of them, our roads are another, and all of those pipes underground are things we need to look at.

We need to proactively fix those things for our children and our children's children. We all expect safe water and waste-water. In order to do those things, we need to look at those projects sooner than later," he said.

Cost efficiencies were commonly mentioned during the budget unveiling. In fact, the Mayor says the cost-efficiencies continued in creating and releasing the budget itself.

"In the past, we've spent well past $10,000 per year for the budget. The reasons are hiring a consultant to help, and we also had mailed out a brochure to every resident. As well we printed out hundreds of copies of the budget.This year, we're printing out 30 copies. Somebody can definitely have my copy because I know I can get it online," he said.

The city has reduced the cost down to $600 this year.

Those wanting in-depth information on the projects included in both the Operational Budget and Capital Budget can view and download the official document of the 2017 City of Swift Current Budget.

The City of Swift Current also has posted a video of Mayor Perrault giving a walk-through of the budget with statistics and graphics of each category broken down.

For individuals wanting more clarification, the Mayor encourages anyone with questions or concerns to contact him.

"I've got office hours every Monday - you can set up an appointment with Marlene Johnson. I'd be more than happy to meet with anyone that has a concern in regards to this budget, or if they feel an unfair tax burden compared to somewhere else," he said.

Residents also have the ability to email the Mayor directly at askthemayor@swiftcurrent.ca.