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The City of Regina released its proposed budget for 2019 on Friday, but it might look a little different after city council has its say on Dec. 10.

The administration is suggesting a 4.7-per-cent mill rate increase, meaning property taxes would increase by $7.77 per month or $93.24 per year for the average Regina home.

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Mayor Michael Fougere has other ideas.

“I think we can do better. I will be focusing on ways to reduce the mill rate,” said Fougere.

“This is a large increase in tax I think … It’s about affordability. It’s a balance between paying for services and then the ability to pay for that as well, and that sweet spot is going to be something we’ll have to look at.”

Last year, the city proposed a 4.86-per-cent mill rate increase, which council reduced to 4.34-per-cent.

Taxes comprise 54 per cent of the city’s revenue.

The city’s tax revenue is projected to rise $15.4 million from 2018, including $11.2 million as a result of the mill rate increase.

The total proposed operating budget is balanced at $461 million, an increase of $18 million from 2018.

Your water bill is probably going up

If city council approves the proposed utility increase, expect to pay three per cent more on your utility bill as of Jan. 1.

This means a monthly increase of $4.14 in 2019 for a typical household, or $49.68 for the year. Barry Lacey, executive director finance and corporate services, said Reginans can expect similar increases in the next two years.

“I think it’s prudent to have a three-year plan,” said Fougere.

The city projects $139 million in revenue due to the increased rates, increased consumption, and a new hauled wastewater station operated by Epcor.

The city plans to invest $414 million in the next five years in water, wastewater and drainage. Next year, it will begin plans to upgrade water meters in Regina homes.

Parking meters proposed for General Hospital area

Fougere said, “We’re going to have a conversation about that too. … We’ll see the public’s reaction to this.”

City manager Chris Holden said parking meters would encourage the general turnover of vehicles in a busy area.