Regional council is asking the board of police commissioners to come up with an alternative proposal

HALIFAX - Regional council shot down a proposal to increase the police budget by nearly five per cent, and is asking the board of police commissioners to come up with a new figure.

The board presented a proposal to council , that included a 4.6 per cent increase to its budget.

According to Halifax Regional Police chief Jean Michel Blais, the $112 million proposal is a status quo budget.

If the board had its way, it could mean a 2.7 per cent increase to the tax rate.

But council isn't buying in, as Mayor Mike Savage is limiting a possible tax hike to 1.9 per cent.

He says he wants to see another option as he cannot support the current proposal.

HRM's overall budget is expected to go to a vote in April.