Ottawa Police Chief Vern White is asking for an extra $14.1 million in 2008 to cover increased staffing costs in the future and two new police facilities in the west and south end of the city.

The police department's draft budget, which includes $204.3 million for operations and $20.6 million for capital spending, was presented at a special meeting of the Ottawa Police Services Board on Wednesday.

The budget suggests the extra $14.1 million could be covered by an 8.8 per cent increase in the city's police tax, which is linked to property values, and a 1.44 per cent rise in property taxes.

"We don't put this money in our pockets to run around and waste," White told reporters after the board presentation. "It's about serving our community."

When asked why police are asking for an increase while crime is decreasing in Ottawa, White responded that people don't want their service to decrease even when their neighbourhood becomes safer.

The police services board is to vote on the document on Nov. 26.

Meanwhile, the public is invited to submit comments.