Police budget set to spike by 8.6 per cent
By Chris Simon

The cost of policing in South Simcoe could be getting more expensive.

An Innisfil committee passed the Bradford West Gwillimbury/Innisfil Police Services Board's 2008 operating budget, during a meeting last week. The nearly $12.9 million proposed budget includes an 8.6 per cent increase over 2007 figures. In total, the proposed increase represents a 5.15 per cent property tax increase for Innisfil residents, and a 4.4 per cent increase for people living in Bradford.

"We've projected a net budget of nearly $12.9 million," said board chair Patti Vanderdonk, addressing the committee last week. "We take every line item in our budget seriously."

The police board oversees the operation of the South Simcoe Police Service.

However, the increase can be attributed to several factors. Three per cent is caused by salary increases, while another three per cent is attributed to "rollover" costs. One per cent is caused by strategic plan implementation costs, .5 per cent is due to the hiring of a new provincial offences court special constable, while another .5 per cent is related to gasoline and electricity expenses.

But some councillors wondered why the board's costs are so high. Councillor Bill Pring suggested guns and vehicles, which are typically leased by the police service, should instead be purchased.

"Wouldn't some of the cars be better if they were purchased, and you had some capital to use next time?" He said. "Likewise with the guns; a gun lasts as long as an officer lasts."

The construction of the Bradford court facility is expected to be complete in May, while renovations to convert the Churchill Community Centre in a part time provincial offences court will begin soon. The North Division station will also receive renovations, while the old town hall building will soon be converted into a new administration centre for the service, said Vanderdonk.

"We're all excited to have new court facilities in Innisfil," she said. "The Churchill provincial offences court will also be undergoing renovations shortly and will be completed by the end of April. Our priorities in 2008 will be to monitor the implementation of our strategic plan. Facility improvement will be completed over the next several months, and we'll be busy ensuring a smooth transition of staff and services."

The board will also be review procedural bylaws and policies, and governance responsibilities over the next year, said Vanderdonk.

Police chief Bruce Davis says the board has been as thrifty as possible, especially in areas like overtime pay.

"Over the last few years, we've been trying to reduce overtime costs. Bt with courts, sometimes it can be a crapshoot. We are at the discretion of the judge," he said. "If a judge says they need officers for (specific) matters, we have to send them there. We have managed to control increases. Increases have come in from other services that far exceed the deals that have been struck (in South Simcoe). We have a good handle on it."

Davis also says South Simcoe receives good, cost effective servicing from the police.

"This year, the board diligently refused to make any hires, with the exception of a (mandated) special constable for the courts," he said.