Calgary’s property tax woes lessened by about two per cent yesterday as city council carved out EMS funding and nearly $2 million in other expenses, while deliberating protective service budgets.

Aldermen carved five jobs and $700,000 in consulting expenses out of their community and protective services proposals and made good on a joint motion by Ald. Gord Lowe and mayor Dave Bronconnier to remove $15 million of EMS funding as the province is slated to take the service over in April.

“There hasn’t been nearly enough cut,” said Ald. Ric McIver, who wants to find nearly five per cent in cuts for 2009 alone.

Calgary police chief Rick Hanson was concerned a promised $25 million for 200 new police officers may fall victim, all police budgets and business proposals were approved unanimously.

“I am a worrier, so it’s quite a relief it’s all over with and I plan on sleeping like a little baby tonight,” said Hanson, who spent the morning justifying his department’s needs and explaining growing overtime patterns.