Regina City Council approves budget with 7.33% mill increase

Regina City Council has approved its 2025 budget after four days of discussions. The budget includes a 7.33% increase in the mill rate, translating to an additional $14.65 a month for the average household. The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) will receive just over $11.2 million. This is a slight reduction from their original request. Economic Development Regina will get $2.1 million, while the Provincial Capital Fund will be allocated $2.7 million. The Regina Police Service presented its budget with a request for $122.5 million. This is $800,000 less than their initial request. They plan to use some other revenue sources, making their net operating budget around $108.9 million. Mayor Chad Bachynski also secured $650,000 for design work at the police headquarters, pending board approval. There is a potential $4 million request for completing this project in the future. The Utility Operating and Capital Budget was approved without changes, leading to a 5.82% rate increase. This will cost the average household an extra $10 each month. The Regina Public Library requested a mill rate increase for operational costs, which was also approved. Overall, with all combined increases, the average household will pay a total of $26.41 more each month.