Guelph police are asking for a nearly $2 million increase to their annual operating budget.

The request makes up most of the city’s local boards and shared services budget for 2019 that will be voted on by councillors on March 5.

The Guelph Police Services Board presented a $42,269,900 revised budget in January after finding almost $400,000 in savings from their previous proposal in October.

A report said city staff helped find the reduction, which was a result of adjustments to Guelph police’s WSIB costs and utilizing city reserves.

The police’s operating budget represents a 4.88 per cent increase over their 2018 budget or a $1.97 million increase.

The majority of the $42 million police budget is allocated for salaries and benefits, but they are also requesting an additional five full-time employees that could join the force

Two officers would be added to the court services unit and two would be added to the sexual assault and child abuse unit.

There is also a request to hire a network technician bringing total staff to 302 employees.

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