WHEREAS both rural and urban municipalities across the province have limited revenue generating opportunities; and

WHEREAS infrastructure in the rural and urban municipalities across the province is deteriorating; and

WHEREAS the costs of providing service to ratepayers is increasing;

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM strongly encourage the Government of Saskatchewan not to decrease the Revenue Sharing Formula Grant for rural and urban Municipalities for 2015 and 2016; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Revenue Sharing Formula Grant for rural and urban municipalities remains at the current level for 2015 and 2016.

MINISTRY OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS' RESPONSE

• This government, more than any previous, has provided significant funding to municipalities  through Municipal Revenue Sharing.  As included in the 2015-16 provincial budget, Municipal Revenue Sharing will not be decreased in 2015-16. The 2015-16 budget provides $265.3 million in revenue sharing-the largest grant ever provided to Saskatchewan municipalities-an increase of $8.3 million compared to last year, and an increase of $138.0 million or more than 108 per cent,from the 2007-08 budget

• This government appreciates the great working relationship that has been established with our municipal partners over the years and looks forward to continuing this into the future.