Photo Courtesy: City of Prince George
budget amendments

COVID-19 pandemic responsible for nearly $1.3 million monthly loss in revenue for the City

Apr 16, 2020 | 2:45 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— According to a release from the City of Prince George, the COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for declining City revenues close to $1.3 million a month, which has the City preparing amendments to its 2020 budget.

A special meeting will be held by Council’s Standing Committee on Finance and Audit on April 20th to consider changes to the budget and the potential impacts on City operations and services, capital projects, staffing levels, property taxes and bills for City utilities.

A background report identifying the reductions to multiple revenue sources has been published on the City’s website.

The largest loss of revenue is a nearly $600,000 monthly reduction due to the closure of pools, arenas, and other civic facilities.

The report includes cost-cutting options which aim at helping offset the losses, including an option to defer $25 million of capital projects.

City staff and seasonal labourer positions are being affected. Part-time and casual shifts at facilities such as arenas, pools, and the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre are no longer being scheduled—affecting nearly 100 staff.

The hiring of non-essential staff has been frozen and thirteen seasonal labourer positions will not be filled.

The Finance and Audit Committee meeting will be streamed live on the City’s website at noon on April 20th.