Edmonton tax hike sitting at 6.1% before savings are found

City homeowners are looking at a 6.1 per cent property tax hike unless city councillors find some savings as they enter the final days of budget deliberations. 

Councillors have approved numerous items in the capital budget including new bike lanes, a police engine helicopter and upgrades to sports centres and libraries.

City staff say there are some savings which will bring that number down. 

Chief Financial officer Lorna Rosen says lower gas prices has saved the city $1.6 million dollars in fuel costs, while the city stands to gain $3 million in taxes from new houses and buildings.

Mayor Don Iveson says money can also be shifted around from budget surpluses to pay for one-time costs, pointing to photo radar which brought in about $10 million more than expected this year.

Budget discussions are expected to wrap up Wednesday afternoon.