The last in a series of special council meetings was held at Regina city hall on Friday. City managers presented the utility operating and capital budgets for the next two years, including a $20 million increase in utility operations from 2026 to 2027, which is about an eight percent increase. “It’s a great step towards transparency for council, transparency for the public and, for us to go along together on that journey of understanding, what it takes to run the city on all the services that we provide,” Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski said. The first part of the meeting provided details on how Regina can utilize its utilities in the most efficient way possible. “Really what it comes down to, is that today was a good meeting,” said Daren Anderson, the deputy city manager of the City of Regina. “We have 50 years’ worth of work. So, what the budgeting process really comes down to is timing - what do we want to do in 2026? What do we want to do in 2027?” Fluoride was also a topic of discussion, after the city prepares for the chemical to be installed once the new year arrives. Back in May, a vote in favour of fluoride being added to the city’s water included three opposed, and seven in favour. As winter approaches, the city says they’re ready to manage an important season for utility use. “The reality is, anything that we kick down the road still needs to get done,” Bachynski said. “So, we can’t do that forever. At some point we have to take care of the infrastructure.” In the end, council voted to refer the matter back to administration to prepare a supplemental report that will be included in the proposed budget report for council’s consideration at its budget meeting in December.
