MORE PROVINCIAL SUPPORT FOR URBAN MUNICIPALITIES

Urban municipalities will soon have additional funding to help them provide services and infrastructure for residents. Today the province announced $2.2 million in additional revenue sharing targeted to urban Saskatchewan.

"We are very aware of the population shift from rural to urban and the fiscal pressures this puts municipalities under," Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen said. "This increase will allow urban municipalities to limit any increase in property taxes in the upcoming year and will provide much needed services for people in cities, towns and neighbourhoods throughout Saskatchewan."

The decision means an additional $2.2 million in one time revenue sharing will be given to urban municipalities in this fiscal year (2005/06), and an additional $2.2 million added to the urban revenue sharing base budget for subsequent years. This is in addition to the $10 million in annual revenue sharing announced for all municipalities on February 6th, 2006 at the SUMA convention.

Revenue sharing is unconditional, allowing urban municipalities to spend the funds according to local priorities.

In total urban, rural and northern municipalities will receive $97.25 million in revenue sharing for 2006-07.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bill Carney Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-6156 Cell: (306) 527-8412