A decision to approve funding for one fewer RCMP officer in West Kelowna has reduced the proposed property tax increase by 0.50 per cent.

The 2025 financial plan initially requested funding for five officers. During council budget deliberations on Wednesday, Dec. 18, it was noted that West Kelowna currently has approved funding for 38 positions. However, due to factors like medical leave and other matters, the city is typically billed for only 27 to 29 officers.

Councillor Jason Friesen argued that the community is not receiving officers at the rate council has been requesting. 91裸聊视频淪o for us to accelerate and increase taxes faster than we91裸聊视频檙e going to get them, I91裸聊视频檓 not certain that91裸聊视频檚 prudent planning,91裸聊视频� he said.

Municipalities that contract RCMP services must sign agreements with the province. Staff explained that it can take up to two years for requested officers to arrive.

91裸聊视频淧ublic safety is 100 per cent at the top of my list, but it91裸聊视频檚 not going to increase how fast we get the people,91裸聊视频� Friesen added.

West Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 strategic policing plan aims to add 19 more officers by 2028. Council voted to reduce the number of officers requested for 2025 from five to four and stretch out funding to 2031. This adjustment lowers the proposed property tax increase from 8.35 per cent to 7.84 per cent.

Addressing council on the tax increase, new Chief Administrative Officer Ron Bowles said the original proposed hike was higher than he preferred.

Budget deliberations are scheduled for Dec. 18-19, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.