REGINA — The City of Regina is reporting a deficit in their 2025 first-quarter forecast.
Per a report, the city is forecasting an operating deficit of roughly $9.9 million or 1.53 per cent, from their $650.14 million general operating budget.
The deficit is due to several factors.
The main one is corporate transactions forecasting lower revenue related to interest and investment, which is lower due to market functions of $ 3 million.
The report also notes a shortfall of the Municipal Surcharge Tax (3 million) because of a larger-than-expected SaskEnergy rate adjustment.
Additionally, expenses have been forecasted to be over budget due to increased costs related to foreign exchange ($342,000).
In total, corporate transactions are forecasting an approximate $6.3 million deficit.
Another factor is winter road maintenance. The city noted that the first three months of 2025 had larger amounts of snowfall than expected. This had led to a forecasted approximate $1.68 million deficit.
Transit is also reporting a roughly $1.583 million deficit from overspending on fuel and replacement vehicle parts.
However, the city mentioned, “with the elimination of the carbon tax and electric buses coming online, the anticipation is these expenses will be reduced over time.”
Other departments with deficits include technology, city centre and community services and departments reporting deficits under $100,000.
On a positive note, the city is forecasting two departments lower than budget expenses, including facilities and fleet ($168,459) and tourism ($130,547).
Overall, the city is forecasting a fiscal year-to-date net general operating surplus of approximately $38.376 million.
The report will be presented to city council on Wednesday.
