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The City of Prince Albert’s Budget Committee concluded deliberations today following three days of review of the General Fund this week. Following deliberations the total approved capital and operating budget is $83 million representing an $8.08 million increase to be funded from property taxes, underscoring the Council’s commitment to supporting its growing population and addressing the rising costs of goods and services.
“Every decision made in this budget is guided by our dedication to improving the lives of Prince Albert residents. Council has considered both the added burden to the taxpayer and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of its finances,” said Mayor Bill Powalinsky. “It is clear past Councils have exhausted avenues to aggressively cut the budget. This budget sets the stage for Prince Albert’s continued success and sustainability for years to come.”
“Prince Albert is a growing city, and this budget is the most honest reflection of this fact in the last decade,” added Mayor Powalinsky. “With growth comes budgetary challenges that City Council is making hard decisions on. Our residents want to feel safer; they want better services and efficiencies, and they want to see a growing city. This budget and the work ahead in 2025 address these priorities.”
Feeling Safer
- Policing: An increase of $2.3 million reflects the city’s growing safety needs for a total policing budget of $21.41 million. The original request from Police increased by $1.04 million following a final review by the Board of Police Commissioners.
- Fire Services: An increase of $821,817 to enhance the fire department’s ability to protect and serve the community.
- Community Safety and Well-Being: $398,545 dedicated to the Community Safety and Well-Being division to address proactive approaches to deal with crime, homelessness and social issues.
- Bylaw Enforcement: A cost of $1.1 million for the bylaw division to manage compliance and enforcement of municipal bylaws and to support the work of the Community Safety and Well-Being division.
Growing City
- Capital Investments: Key projects include the widening of Marquis Road and playground improvements.
- Lake Country Co-Op Leisure Centre – an increase of $610,000 to operate the new leisure centre which will open in the spring of 2025. The Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre is an example of forward-thinking projects that enhance the community and attract new residents.
- Decommissioning of Frank J Dunn Pool - $425,000 for the City of Prince Albert’s 50% share of the decommissioning of the Frank J. Dunn Pool.
- Transit Services: $2.45 million for City transit services including $646,629 for Paratransit and Seniors Transportation Services and the expansion of transit services to serve students and the Yard district.
Better Services
- Despite economic pressures, the 2025 budget includes no service cuts or reductions.
- Innovative approaches and service enhancements like the Solutions Hub which is a central customer service hub to respond to resident inquires and requests for service.
- Ongoing efficiency audits of City operations will continue in 2025 to review spending across the organization to confirm there is a return on the investment citizens are making into the City.
- A city satisfaction survey to measure resident satisfaction with different city services.
The budget recommendations will be forwarded to an upcoming City Council meeting for final approval in February. Once approved, the next step in the process will be a decision regarding a tax plan which will finalize how the tax rate will impact different properties. Council will meet again to review options including minimum tax rates, base tax rates and the mill rate. This review is expected in March when the final tax rates will be set for 2025.
For media inquiries, please contact
Mayor Powalinsky
(306) 953-4300
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