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.
It may be the first day of spring, but Ontario’s long winter isn’t over, with more snow and icy conditions expected before a full warm-up arrives
The policy is something of a reversal from a government that killed a similar idea shortly after taking power. Back in 2019, the province said the policy would be unenforceable.
The recall states that 'the ovens in the ranges can experience a delayed ignition of the oven's bake burner, which can create a potential risk of burns.'
U.S. President Donald Trump is widening the cracks between the United States and European NATO members with his calls for allies to help him finish the war he started with Iran.
The legislation from U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker would launch a U.S. Trade Representative investigation into whether the Canadian law unfairly burdens American commerce.
The New York Islanders plan on moving their American Hockey League affiliate from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Hamilton, Ont., for next season.
Mayor Michael Prue said Diageo appeared to lose steam in its attempts to quickly sell a facility in his town as soon as Doug Ford stood down his threat to ban Crown Royal.
Dillon Whitehawk has been found guilty of first degree murder in killing of Keenan Toto, but not guilty in killing of Jordan Denton.
Waterloo’s police chief says snipers may continue to be used at large events as needed, following their deployment during a St. Patrick’s Day street party.
Parents and students in Nova Scotia and Manitoba are dealing with the aftermath of what could have been two deadly school attacks, after FBI intel leads to arrests.
The Toronto Police Association and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both called on the judge who suggested police witnesses may have colluded to apologize.
Most Canadians want the government to ban or regulate the use of algorithms to set prices, a new poll suggests — with half of respondents saying the practice is unfair.
Two Quebec men accused of fathering hundreds of kids have been banned from donating sperm in the province while a court case against them unfolds.