Calgary politicians are already sharpening their pencils ahead of next month’s budget debate.

On November 8th, the wraps will be taken off the proposed 2013 civic budget.  The document already contains a proposed 5.7 per cent hike, but there are number of departments looking for more, not less.

The Calgary Herald reports funding for the Emergency Call Centre could be increased by almost $4-million to hire extra operators to handle increased call volume.

Two other departments also looking for more funding are transit and parks.

The Chair of the Finance Committee, Alderman Gord Lowe, tells 660News the city tax assessment base has increased but he doesn’t know if that alone is enough to cover the spending hikes which have been requested.

Lowe says he supports boosting funding to 911 operations and transit.

Ward 3 Alderman, Jim Stevenson, says when it comes to running a $3-billion corporation like the city, they have to rely on the advice of the various department heads.

Without any tweaks, a 5.7 per cent tax increase would push up the average tax bill in the city by about $80.