City administration is dedicated to monitoring how it spends every penny in the proposed 2024 budget even though increasing costs and crumbling infrastructure are the biggest issues affecting the community, the city manager says.
“As we embark on another fiscal year, our commitment to responsible fiscal management remains unwavering, even in the face of evolving challenges (of rising worldwide inflation and mounting costs of addressing aging infrastructure),” city manager Maryse Carmichael said during a recent budget meeting.
Rising inflation rates is a trend that affects economies and communities alike, while the City of Moose Jaw is not immune to these challenges, she continued. The increased cost of goods and services has direct implications on the city’s ability to provide essential services and invest in initiatives.
“We remain committed to navigating these economic headwinds with prudence and resilience, ensuring that your tax dollars are invested wisely for the benefit of our shared community,” Carmichael remarked.
Moose Jaw, like any “living entity,” transforms over time, which means its infrastructure — the community’s backbone — has aged and the costs to maintain, repair and modernize those assets have escalated, she said.
In attempting to address those challenges, city administration is aiming to not only preserve the community’s “historical charm” but also modernize and build for the future by creating a sustainable and safe environment for generations to come, the city manager stated.
“Whether it be roads, bridges, water systems or public facilities, we are committed to ensuring that our infrastructure meets the demands of a growing and dynamic city,” she said.
It’s crucial to understand where Moose Jaw stands in comparison to its other municipal neighbours so it can make informed decisions, and during recent meetings with 15 other city managers, the group discussed the pressures everyone is facing, Carmichael recalled.
During its budget discussions, city hall analyzed its budget priorities alongside those of other Saskatchewan cities, and this comparative approach allowed staff to identify best practices, learn from others’ experiences and “collectively strive for excellence in providing essential services and fostering community well-being,” she continued.
In its commitment to “transparency and effective governance,” city administration will introduce for 2024 an integrated risk management framework to empower city council to assess and manage risks systematically, Carmichael explained. This ensures that every future financial decision aligns with the shared vision for Moose Jaw’s future.
“By adopting this forward-looking approach, we aim to enhance our ability to respond to unforeseen challenges and uncertainties with resilience and adaptability,” she remarked, noting everything in the proposed budget aims to address the challenges of inflation and the “growing imperative” to invest in aging infrastructure.
“Your city government remains steadfast in its dedication to transparency and responsiveness to the needs of our residents,” she continued. “Your input is crucial in this process. As stewards of public funds, we value your perspective on the budget priorities and choices presented (in the report).”
Carmichael added that residents should actively engage in public forums and hearings when council discusses the budget since their feedback “is essential in shaping the financial roadmap for our city.”
The next budget meetings are Monday, Dec. 11 and Wednesday, Dec. 13.
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