Provincial Funding

This is old news to a certain extent but I want to thank the province for keeping their word by not cutting municipalities 20% share of the PST.

The Sask Party has increased funding to municipalities since they were elected. Since 2007 funding to municipalities has increased 108% and has been stable, predictable, and sustainable. Kindersley's share of revenue has increased 133% since 2007-2008.

The monies the Town receives is used for both operations and capital.

Though funding has not been arbitrarily cut this year we need to work to develop an agreement with the province recognizing a new normal. What follows is from an earlier Moment with the Mayor and excerpts from a letter to the Premier.

Another approach is needed to ensure the Province and municipalities can sustainably manage growth and change. Change is the new normal, and greater cooperation and flexibility is required by both the Province and Municipalities to successfully manage our mutual challenges. The following may be considered a framework for a new and enhanced Saskatchewan to help her realize her potential:

1. An understanding between the Province and Municipalities, SUMA and SARM, recognizing that the Province and its municipalities are equal partners in stewarding Saskatchewan.

2. Recognition that revenue for both the Province and Municipalities is the result of the joint effort between the Province and municipalities to increase the wealth of Saskatchewan.

3. Recognition that the Province and Municipalities share responsibility for building, managing, and sustaining our province and municipalities.

     i.  Respect for the roles, responsibilities, and obligations each partner undertakes to build and equip the province.

     ii.  As partners working together a formal consultation procedure between the Province and Municipalities be established ensuring collaborative planning and strategies resulting in effective stewardship.

4. Enhanced cooperation between the Province and municipalities ensuring certainty and predictability of government performance, standards, and planning.

5. Recognition that municipalities are under-resourced, leading to an unhealthy dependence upon the Province and federal government for financial assistance to address necessary hard and soft infrastructure such as water, waste water, solid waste, and arts and recreation.

     i. Revenue-sharing that is considered ‘own source’ predicated on economic activity and independent of provincial government decision-making.

     ii. As the Province delegates greater responsibilities to Municipalities, the Province ensures adequate funding and resources is allocated to Municipalities to effectively and efficiently fulfill the responsibilities.