The Winkler Police Service will hold to a zero percent increase budget in 2019. While disappointed, Police Chief Ryan Hunt says they will make it work by reallocating funds from different budgets.

This year a number of items were purchased using the Special Equipment budget, but those costs have decreased for 2019 leaving funds that can be moved to other areas such as office supplies, fuel, training and uniforms, which may have otherwise gone over budget.

Winkler Mayor Martin Harder notes the police budget has steadily increased in previous years to add new staff. Three new recruits were hired last year, including Winkler's first female officers.

However, he says this coming year the Meridian Exhibition Centre will add a heavier burden to the city budget. "We want to make sure it's balanced and the taxpayer isn't hit from all sides."