Dispute surrounding Saskatoon city staff continues as city faces budget shortfall
Global News
Councillor Darren Hill said he's hoping to table an independent review at the next city council meeting, but he's not certain he'll get anywhere.
One of the topics of discussion in the midst of Saskatoon budget deliberations has been revolving around city staffing.
Chief Financial Officer Clae Hack said Saskatoon has about 4,300 full-time equivalent positions (FTEs), but said it’s difficult to make apples to apples comparisons with similar sized cities.
“That includes everything from utilities, to road maintenance, transit services, and everywhere in between,” Hack said.
The city is facing a $52.4-million funding shortage next year, followed by a $23.2-million gap in 2025, which has been equated to a 18.56-per cent property tax increase in 2024, and a 6.95-per cent property tax increase the following year.
Hack compared Saskatoon to Regina, noting the Queen City reports about 3,000 FTEs, but says there’s more to it.
“It’s really important to dive into the context behind that, so when Regina reports out their FTEs from their public budget documents that includes civic services and police services. It doesn’t include things like utilities.”
Saskatoon operates over 70 different business lines, and one FTE position can account for five part-time workers.
He said another consideration is Saskatoon’s land development branch, which requires FTEs to staff it, but also brings in revenue for the city.