Winnipeg's operating budget was unveiled Monday afternoon with the mayor's executive policy committee aiming to maintain a property tax freeze.

Some user fees and levies, however, are slated to increase.

The overall budget is pegged at $847.4 million.

Under the budget, a property frontage levy will rise to $3.75 per foot, an increase of $1.20 per foot more than last year. A person with a 50-foot-wide lot could expect to start paying an extra $60 per year.

Coun. Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge - East Fort Garry) criticized the increase as being a hidden tax.

"I think it's unavoidable people are going to be paying a lot more - there's essentially a backdoor property tax increase, because the frontage levy increase is property taxes," she said.

Mayor Sam Katz disputed the levy boost as a hidden tax.

"I think when the taxpayer knows where the money is being dedicated to, it makes a big difference. They'll know this money is being invested wisely in their infrastructure," said Katz.

The levy is meant for street repairs and renewals.

Recreation costs are also poised to rise with increasing user fees. By September, Leisure Guide programs will cost 20 per cent more.

The city's budget includes $12.2 million more for the police service. Funds will go towards adding six more officers for the police helicopter, as well as adding 50 new cadets. Nineteen new 911 operators will also be added.

The budget will also offer up funds for free Wi-Fi internet at all public libraries and some other city-run facilities.

About 20 new firefighter positions are also expected to be added for the new station at Sage Creek.

The firefighters' union expressed support on Monday.

"The citizens of South Winnipeg should appreciate the fact that the new fire station to be built in their area this year will now be fully funded and fully staffed with firefighters," said UFFW President Alex Forrest.

The new fire hall is expected to be open by the end of the year.

The city's budget still needs to be voted on by council as a whole.

- with a report from CTV's Laura Lowe


- the preliminary budget is available online on the city's website