Last week Premier Wall indicated that in light of the recent increase in oil lease sales the Province was considering increased funding to municipalities.
Today, SARM along with SUMA and the New North met with the Honourable Bill Hutchinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs to discuss proposals on distributing these funds.
The Minister tabled a proposal to further increase the Revenue Sharing Pool by 7% for this year. This would amount to an increase in the Rural Pool of approximately $3 million.
“This extra funding will provide relief to municipalities that are facing mill rate increases,” said SARM President David Marit. “A seven percent increase in Revenue Sharing is a good start. This new money should allow them to hold the line and maintain services.”
“We would also like to see municipalities that are affected by the new oil leases further compensated with increased funding to the Roads to Resources Program,” said Marit, “as this new development has a direct impact on their roads”
SARM is pleased that the Premier and his Cabinet have recognized the need for the Province to share some of their new found revenue with municipal governments.
“SARM, the Voice of Rural Saskatchewan”
