Regina City Council has given its initial approval to a substantial $131.89 million operating budget for the city's police service, a decision made on the opening day of its 2026 budget deliberations. The move comes as the council also forecasts a significant 15.69 per cent increase in the municipal mill rate, which directly impacts property taxes.
Budget Presentation and Approval
Police Chief Lorilee Davies presented the detailed financial request for the Regina Police Service to council members on December 15, 2025. Following her presentation, councilors voted to approve the proposed budget of $131.89 million. This early approval on the first day of discussions underscores the budget's priority within the broader municipal financial planning.
The deliberations are part of the city's comprehensive budget process for the upcoming fiscal year. The approved police funding will cover operational costs, personnel, equipment, and community safety initiatives for the Regina Police Service throughout 2026.
Impact on Property Taxes
In a related and impactful development for Regina homeowners and businesses, the city council is forecasting a 15.69 per cent increase in the mill rate. This is a key driver of property tax bills, meaning residents can expect a notable rise in their municipal tax payments if the final budget passes with this projection intact.
The simultaneous discussion of major departmental budgets like police services and the overall tax rate highlights the challenging balancing act faced by municipal governments: funding essential services while managing the financial burden on taxpayers.
Context and Next Steps
The budget approval for the police service is just one component of the city's full financial plan. Council deliberations will continue, examining budgets for all other city departments and services. The final overall budget, including the confirmed property tax rate, will be set after all discussions are concluded.
This decision in Regina occurs amid other significant municipal news in the province, including the announced delay of the Cargill canola crush facility opening in the city to 2026. The police budget approval sets a foundational financial commitment for one of the city's core services as planning for the new year moves forward.
