The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) invited community input for the 2025 Budget. It hosted two virtual input sessions on Friday, Sept. 20 and Monday, Oct. 28. Following the consultation meetings more than $700,000 was removed from its proposed 2025 budget.
The WRPS board approved the recommended budget on Nov. 13, 2024.
The approved budget is now at $252.5 million, down from $253.3 million presented in October, but up from the $214.7 million budget from 2024.
During the second public consultation, delegates consistently brought up public transportation as a priority to consider for the Strategic Plan and Budget Public Input meeting.
The reductions include $234,000 from firearms, software maintenance and training and $483,000 from salary contracts. For the average Waterloo Region household, the budget costs $846 a year, a $67 increase from the 2023 WRPS budget.
The Waterloo Regional Council questioned the need for an increase in the budget when there is seemingly a surplus in funding with no real results.
“With respect for 2024, despite requests for this information, which were denied, we have no idea what the current quarterly deficit is and we won’t know in November. I submit that this failure to disclose is an example of less transparency not more,” Rob Deustchmann, Waterloo Region councilor, said.
The WRPS went into the public meetings looking for a $24.8 million draft budget increase. Compared to other Ontario cities of similar sizes, Waterloo region spends seven per cent less on police staffing rates.
Over the past six years, the WRPS added 120 uniformed officers and its budget overage for overtime in 2024 is projected to be $6.4 million.
“Police see the call to defund them as that an attack on the morale of the police, and it’s unfortunate that what could be an opportunity for real discussion about community safety is blocked by such criticism,” Melissa Bowman, delegate at the public input session, said.
Regional staff point out a number of rising costs projected for next year. These increases include waste collection changes, transit and paramedic services enhancements and resources to end homelessness.
“Overall, the changes do not seem to enhance transparency as suggested. As stewards of public safety, it is important that the WRPS provide relevant data for supporting budget requests and demonstrating responsible fiscal management,” Deustchmann said.
Delegates and regional staff pointed out that the proposed tax increase does not include the funding increase for the WRPS. The Waterloo Regional Council is expecting to settle what these increases will mean for property tax bills when they vote on the budget on Dec. 11.
Within the proposed service level expansion 2025 budget, additional resources are marked “required” to support the growing needs of the Waterloo Regional Police and Paramedic services with their needs for vehicle outfitting. This includes fitting new lighting and equipment into vehicles and repairs.
The primary areas of investment include frontline patrol services, investigative services, training and youth engagement.
The approved Operating Budget is $228,428, an increase of $14,368 or 6.7 per cent from 2023. The 2024 approved WRPS Budget includes the addition of 18 uniform officers, which is the main driver of the increase.
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