The Bradford West Gwillimbury-Innisfil Police Services Board, which oversees the South Simcoe Police Service, had its first look at Chief Andrew Fletcher’s proposed 2020 budget last month, but put off a vote.
There were two reasons for the delay. One was the announcement of a new provincial appointee to the five-member Board, filling a vacancy. The delay permitted new member Chris Gariepy to take his seat.
The other was a request from the Police Services Board itself to the Chief Financial Officers of both Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil. Board members wanted to know the bottom-line impact on taxpayers of the proposed $1.251 million increase in policing costs for 2020.
On Monday night, they had their answer.
South Simcoe Police have proposed an Operating Budget of $20,258,397, an increase of about 6.58 percent over the previous year, and a capital budget of $749,200. The operating costs are apportioned between Innisfil and BWG, based on factors that include population and number of households, with the result that Innisfil will pay 53 percent of the total and BWG residents 47 percent.
Capital costs are split 50/50 between the two municipalities.
That translates into an $11.11 million tab for Innisfil residents, and $9.896 million for BWG.
Even so, the impact on BWG ratepayers will be higher because of the higher average assessed cost of homes in that municipality. The average value of a home in Innisfil is $423,053, according to MPAC. The average home price in BWG is $481,892.
Given those figures, the fact that the police budget makes up only a fraction of the overall property tax, and the increase in the tax base as a result of new builds, Innisfil is looking at a 1.35 percent increase in the police levy, while BWG residents will pay 3.13 percent more.
Chief Fletcher again went over the reasons for the hike: primarily, the plan to hire six new officers. That will include four cadets who would enter the Police Service at the lowest pay scale; and two experienced officers to handle traffic safety in the two municipalities.
High population growth – a 26 percent increase in population over the past five years – and sharp increase in calls have put pressure on the service, which has one of the lowest officer-to-population ratios in the country, he explained.
The national average is 182 police officers per 100,000 population; the provincial average is 177 officers per 100,000 population; York Regional Police have 131 officers per 100,000.
The South Simcoe Police Service has 119 officers per 100,000, extrapolated from the current population.
“We’re still one of the top 10 safest communities in Canada,” said Fletcher, largely due to taking a pro-active approach to policing – but with lower numbers “we find ourselves slipping into the reactive mode.”
Fletcher told the Board that while the number of calls has gone down slightly from September’s spike, the service is still on track to answer over 30,000 calls by year’s end – an almost 25 percent increase over 2018.
The financial picture has been complicated by the loss of an $80,000 provincial Community Safety Grant, which had been available in previous years. Although the police service applied, it was not successful.
Fletcher noted that wherever possible, the service has looked for savings to help offset rising costs, but there is no escaping the fact that over 90 percent of the annual budget is related to salaries and benefits.
“Is there an opportunity to phase-in the new officers, over a longer period of time?” asked Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin, to reduce the impact on taxpayers. She noted that in past years the police service has limited its hires to two officers per year.
Fletcher warned that to delay hiring would lead to increases in overtime, offsetting any savings – or cuts to proactive programs, like the officers in the schools initiative. “That’s a service the community asked for, and I believe the investment pays off down the road,” he said.
Again, Fletcher pointed out that with only 87 sworn officers, the service has not kept up with rapid population growth.
“This is a bit of a catch-up?” asked Board Chair Licinio Miguelo.
“It is,” agreed Fletcher. He pointed out that wherever possible, South Simcoe uses civilians, special constables, and auxiliary volunteers to fill roles in administration and policing, resulting in savings.
The recognition of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a cause for long-term disability claims has also had an impact, he said in response to a question from Mayor Dollin. The South Simcoe Police Service currently has four officers off, and four others on modified duties – making the new hires all the more critical.
There was one piece of good news for ratepayers. Although some invoices are still coming in, the police service appears to be on track for a $377,000 surplus at the end of the year.
“What happens to the surplus?” asked BWG Mayor Rob Keffer.
“That money goes back to the municipalities,” said Fletcher.
The Police Services Board voted to approve the 2020 budgets, which will be forwarded to the municipalities before Dec. 1. The Board Chair and Police Chief will also make a presentation to each council to explain the details.
“I think traffic safety and school zone safety is the number one issue in my municipality,” said Mayor Dollin, suggesting that residents will be in support of new hires that will put more officers on the front lines.
“It’s better than what I was afraid of,” said Mayor Keffer.
