Police services board gives stamp of approval to 2022 budget
Posted Dec 15, 2021 07:45:00 PM.
After much deliberation, the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board officially put its stamp of approval on the 2022 proposed budget.
On Wednesday morning, Police Chief Bryan Larkin reviewed the $195.7 million budget for next year, which includes an overall increase of approximately $10.3 million over last year (or 5.6 per cent).
Larkin said this is an adequate and effective budget for our growing region.
“We believe that we're presenting a reasonable, responsible budget, that also recognizes that the people who perform an abnormal task in society are supported.”
Various community leaders and groups are not in favour of such an increase. Reallocate Waterloo Region wants regional council to reject the proposal altogether, and demand a zero per cent increase. Meanwhile, the group supports Councillor Tom Galloway's rejection, as he suggested resources be spent in needed police reform through legislative changes, alternate service delivery, and investing in upstream initiatives.
The police board was able to find just over $2 million in savings from its previous proposal. Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic has verbalized support towards the newly proposed budget, and said he wants to reallocate those savings towards upstream investments.
The onus is now on regional council. The budget will be approved, rejected, or asked to be further reduced Wednesday evening.
