We are expecting to see budgets handed down by all three levels of government within the next few weeks. And if all the rumours are true, we will have less disposable income as a result.
The municipal government is the most accountable to the taxpayers. It is not allowed to budget a deficit so the various city department budgets have to be trimmed to match what the city expects to take in in grants and taxes. When budgets are pared down as far as possible — sometimes with reduced services resulting — taxes are calculated to pay for what’s necessary.
Provincially, accountability falls off a little. In Saskatchewan, we have gotten used to budgets that pay down the deficit. But that option is looking a little iffy this year.
A tighter provincial budget means less money for municipalities as well so we feel the trickle down in our city taxes.
Then there’s the federal government. As much as there always seems to be money for government officials to travel all over the place — with large entourages in tow, staying at top-end hotels — we will feel the pinch as well as the hit to our wallets.
