Saskatoon council approves 5.3 per cent tax hike

City council in Saskatoon has approved a budget for 2015 that will result in a 5.3 per cent increase in property taxes.

The increase includes more money for the police department to pay for four additional officers. The police department had asked for eight new officers, funded by the city.

"We're looking into the future when we do budgeting. So if we are four shorter this year it means that we have to make up for it more next year if the city continues to grow at the same pace it is," Saskatoon police Chief Clive Weighill said Tuesday. "But we've still got growth, I am very pleased."

The City of Saskatoon also released a graphic, prepared by officials in their finance department, with more details about the 2015 budget.

• ON MOBILE? View the Budget graphic here

A week ago, council rejected Saskatoon Police Service's request for a $4.25 million increase in its budget. The police department returned with two options for council for either four or six new officers.

According to the city, the new police positions are for the patrol division.

"I think people want to have safe and secure neighbourhoods," Mayor Don Atchison said, prior to the latest budget deliberations.

Originally, city council had been presented with a budget proposal for a 7.3 per cent tax hike. That was adjusted by city officials to6.2 per cent just prior to the start of city council's deliberations.