8-Point Budget Renewal Plan for Fiscal Accountability

My 8-Point Budget Renewal Plan will restore fiscal accountability at City Hall, protecting residents from unnecessary tax hikes while ensuring critical services are maintained. This plan supports my Affordability & Investment Plan that includes solutions aimed at fast-tracking housing development, revitalizing the downtown core, and ensuring local businesses benefit from Saskatoon’s growth.

Fiscal responsibility is key to Saskatoon's future. Here’s how we’ll fix the city's flawed budgeting process:

1. Cap on Departmental Budget Increases: Every department, except protective services, will face a capped budget increase to prevent unchecked spending.
2. Protection of Frontline Services: Core services will be prioritized, ensuring no cuts to essential services that residents rely on.
3. Efficiency Review by City Auditor: An expanded municipal auditor will conduct an efficiency review of all departments, identifying waste and improving service delivery. No external consultants will be hired; I trust city administration to find the savings while maintaining high service standards.
4. Accountability for Budget Requests: Departments will need to justify their budgets, presenting long-term pressures and solutions for cost reductions. Administration will work within the set budget caps and identify areas for efficiency.
5. No Unapproved Fund Reallocation: Departments will be prohibited from moving funds between line items without council approval, ensuring transparency and control.
6. No Deficit Spending: No department will be allowed to deficit spend without prior city council approval.
7. Emergency Expenditure Controls: The City Manager will have limited discretion to authorize non-budget expenditures only in emergencies, with an audit conducted within six months to identify cost-saving measures and amend budgets in order to counteract emergency spending.
8. Quarterly Fiscal Reports: Departments will provide fiscal quarterly updates on budget performance, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the fiscal year.