Saskatoon's city councillors are considering legal action rather than raising taxes to make up a multi-million dollar shortfall caused by last week's provincial budget.
Council held a four-and-a-half hour special meeting Sunday afternoon to discuss the shortfall, which the city says creates an $11.4 million hole in its operating budget.
SaskPower and SaskEnergy were able to pay "grants in lieu" instead of taxes to municipalities across the province, but that will no longer be the case as of this budget.
The city says in a news release that council wants to explore appropriate legal measures in coordination with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association and other affected communities.
It says that could include a court injunction to stop the province.
Council also resolved to look into charging the province market rent for P3 school sites and for utility rights of way, as well as consider charging the province for any emergency services the city provides for its properties.
"We are not raising taxes today. Instead we are considering every other option available," Mayor Charlie Clark said in the news release.
"What is happening is not fair or equal. The provincial government is asking city residents to pay twice for the same service."
Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said last week the move represents a $36 million reduction provincewide, with $23 million coming from Regina and Saskatoon.
Both Fougere and Clark said they were upset there was no notice of the cut.
Saskatoon councillors also agreed on a temporary hiring and discretionary spending freeze until they decide what to do.
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.