COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed Edmonton budget includes $64M in reductions but 0% tax levy increase In order to have a zero per cent tax increase, council must find about $56.6 million in savings.Ongoing, permanent reductions of the base budget unrelated to COVID-19 include:“My goal throughout this budget discussion will be to find efficiencies while ensuring the city is providing our communities with what we need to weather this pandemic, like maintaining critical infrastructure and services that keep Edmontonians safe,” Mayor Don Iveson said.He said council and administration have heard a lot of reaction to potential changes to the civic recreation centres and the spay and neuter program.“We’re certainly hearing loud and clear… about.