Yorkton councillors debate potential new city positions proposed in budget

Yorkton City Council held their first open budget meeting Thursday evening, a special event the city plans to do moving forward. (Sierra D'Souza Butts / CTV News)

Yorkton city councillors recently went back and forth debating whether hiring a new communications coordinator position would benefit the city.

The proposed position of employment is among other new city positions – including a staff accountant in the finance department, a part-time bylaw enforcement officer, (which has been differed from the city’s budget due to a pending federal grant) and a city supervisor for the town’s water system.

“In finance there’s a position that will essentially take over one of the positions that will be retiring and will come a bit of a savings as we’ll be able to utilize that position in areas maybe better suited in the future,” Mayor Aaron Kienle said.

According to Kienle, a communications position was eliminated four years ago. “We’re looking at the work that needs to happen as far as advocacy with the provincial and federal government, as well as even with our own residents, for communicating with the public in a timely manner, as well as staff communications interdepartmental communication. I think that’s a good position,”

“As well as with our water system, that position is another great one because at the end, looking at the money that could potentially save on projects. It’s probably something that will end up saving us money versus costing us money.”

The communications coordinator position focuses on supporting the city’s communication efforts between council and residents, along with other levels of government.

However, during Thursday’s open budget meeting, three councillors expressed their concerns on the matter, including Coun. Darcy Zaharia.

“After talking to the department heads, a lot of the positions made sense and some actually save us money in the long run. The one I’m not in favor of was our communications coordinator position,” Zaharia explained.

“Just because we had that position before and we cut that position from budget. There wasn’t enough work for that person. It’s not that I’m against what that position does, I’m just against how we’re approaching it. I’d rather us hire as a one-year term or two-year term, and if there’s still enough work after that then we can reevaluate and possibly hire as a full time.”

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Some councillors feel the role will help with lobbying efforts and obtain access to other sources of revenue.

“We need to advocate for the city. We need to know what grants are available provincially and federally,” Coun. Stephanie Ortynsky said.

“Especially when it comes to infrastructure which is the biggest spending item across Canada, more than health care if you could believe it. There just needs to be more money dedicated to that going forward.”

Due to the draft budget being out for review, no final decision has been made regarding any of the 2025 budgetary items.

The city encourages residents to review the budget on its website, and provide any comments or feedback before council votes on March 3.

“Council was looking really hard at adding positions and how additional funds will be spent,” Kienle said.

“I think that the service those positions will provide [along with] the potential cost savings, and benefits, outweigh that. I’m really excited about; I think that will be good,” Kienle said.