Waterloo regional police present first look at 2023 operating budget
CBC
Waterloo regional police presented the first draft of what the service's 2023 operating budget could look like.
"Today, it's just information to where we are sitting and some of the scenarios we're looking at," said Acting Police Chief John Goodman.
According to a report presented to the board, the estimated 2023 operating base budget for police sits at $209.8 million, a $14-million increase from the 2022 budget, but that number could change.
Police presented four different budget scenarios for the board to consider: They are:
Kirsten Hand, director of the service's finance and assets branch, said there were a number of factors contributing to an increase of the operating base budget from 2022, such as the annualization of 35 new officers, benefits cost increases and contractual cost increases.
She added there was also the removal of one-time funding from the 2022 budget, including the $1.6 million from the 2021 budget surplus and $500,000 from the benefit stabilization reserve.
She mentioned there were inflation impacts such as increasing gasoline prices.
During Wednesday's meeting, several board members asked police to incorporate additional information and scenario options to the report as well.
"I would like to see something more holistic, derived from the service that reflects what is needed to continue to provide the services to meet the challenges we're facing, that our communities are requiring," said board member Tony Giovinazzo.
"This is a good draft to go through, but I'd like to see [in the] next round maybe a little more articulated options around what the service believes they will require."
Goodman said staff will be working to provide that information at the next meeting.
"That's what we'll do. We'll go back and take a look. We came in very responsibly today with our first blush. The next one may look a little different."
Further review of the budget with the Police Services Board is scheduled for Dec. 14, with final board approval planned for Jan. 18, according to the report.
As for when police will present their budget to the region, that has yet to be scheduled, but regional approval is set for Feb. 8.
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