Kamloops council has trimmed its proposed 2026 property tax increase to 5.7%  after voting to fully defer the hiring of new RCMP officers.

When budget talks began late last year, the city was facing a projected increase of more than 10%. That number was reduced to just over 7% in January. Tuesday’s decision brings it down further.

Council had already delayed part of a five-year plan to hire five new RCMP officers annually. This week, councillors voted to defer the entire intake for another year. Stephen Karpuk put the full deferral on the floor which council ultimately approved.

City staff said there had been some confusion over whether council intended to defer half or all of the planned hires. By choosing the full deferral, the city was able to find additional savings for 2026.

Council also considered — but rejected — a number of other cost-cutting measures discussed in a recent closed meeting. Those included a proposed wage freeze that would have saved about $650,000.

City officials warned a pay freeze could create recruitment challenges and widen pay gaps compared to other municipalities, potentially leading to staff departures.

Looking ahead, council confirmed plans to keep the new Dallas fire hall project on track for 2029. The $26 million project is currently funded through taxation, though staff say there will be another opportunity to revisit funding next year.

Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc says a full-time station in Dallas could lower insurance rates for area residents who currently pay higher premiums due to limited fire coverage.

However, council voted against expanding training programs in Kamloops, though funding remains in the 2027 budget for trades apprentice training within the city’s civic operations department.