Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis has asked Belleville Police Services Board to revisit its proposed 2026 budget to reduce a 15 per cent increase the city will be asked to pay in the new year.

Ellis informed councillors Monday that he spoke with Heather Smith, police board chair, and Police Chief Murray Rodd with a view to finding savings.

The police budget was approved last Thursday during an open meeting of the Police Services Board in the amount of $33.5 million, representing a $4.5 million increase in spending as compared to last year’s police budget.

Ellis, a member of the police board, voted in that meeting last against it but the budget was approved.

Coun. Paul Carr took issue with the increase pointing out that the increase would represent a 3.5 per cent increase in property taxes.

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