City councillors appear to have no interest in putting more money toward maintaining the downtown arena district once Rogers Place opens next year.

But the costs seem to be piling up.

Councillors were asked to dedicate funds to keep the arena district clean, remove snow, and put more enforcement officers on patrol. No one on council took the bait.

"I'm a little frustrated by it because we, as a corporation and as taxpayers, seem to be asked to (contribute) a lot to the overall maintenance of that area," said Coun. Scott McKeen, who represents the area.

He said the city has been asked to cover more than what council initially agreed to with the Katz Group in 2013.

City staff asked council to approve $554,000 to hire two new bylaw officers, and create "educational programing" to keep the area clean. The money would also allow the city to hire two social workers to respond to incidents involving homeless and mentally ill people in the area.

McKeen said the city hired 40 police officers specifically to address issues caused by crowds drawn to the arena district. Despite that, city staff say without these extra positions they expect the number of bylaw complaints and community safety concerns will increase.

"I just think we need to be clear on responsibilities and we need to push back a little bit," he said.

Coun. Michael Walters said it's natural for disorder to happen in busy centres with lots of people, but there are better ways to address the problem.

"I think the way we get out in front of that is working aggressively with the province," Walters said.

On Tuesday, the transportation department will present its request for six full-time downtown peace officers at a cost of $612,000 to maintain security when the extra crowds arrive.

The department also plans to ask for additional snow removal around the arena district to keep buses moving smoothly.

Walters said the city and the Katz Group will have to meet again.

"My understanding was that partnership would be ongoing, not just in terms of what we celebrate, but in terms of what we have to pay for," he said.

Both councillors said they support the downtown arena, but they don't want to pay any more.

"At some point you have to say no more," McKeen said.