The Kenosha City Council has approved an $83.04 million operating budget that provides for the hiring of an additional five new police officers and two new firefighters in 2019. Approved by a 15-1 margin during a special budget meeting Wednesday, it also calls for a 1 percent pay increase for employees that will begin on July 1. The budget does not reflect any reduction in services, according to Mayor John Antaramian. As in the past, the major expenses will not come from administrative costs. More than two-thirds of the budget will come from expenditures for public safety, which is comprised of the police and fire departments, and for the public works department. Police Chief Daniel Miskinis and Fire Chief Charles Leipzig earlier this month said voter support for the referendum would help to keep Kenosha back on track for adequate staffing. They noted that, as the city has expanded, they have seen a higher level of calls for service. Emergency responses have increased.