Waterloo regional police present first look at 2023 operating budget

Waterloo regional police presented the first draft of what the service's 2023 operatingbudget 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 policesits at$209.8 million, a $14-million increase fromthe 2022 budget, but that number could change.

Policepresented fourdifferent budgetscenarios for the board to consider: They are:

• Add eight moreofficers and an additional $15.8 million to the budget.
• Add11 moreofficers, which would amount to anadditional $16 million to the budget.
• Add 55officers, which would mean budgeting anadditional $26 million.
• Add no moreofficers, leaving thebase budget at $209.8 million.

Several factors contributeto increased budget

Kirsten Hand, director of the service'sfinance and assets branch, said there were a number of factors contributing to anincrease of the operating base budget from 2022, such as the annualization of 35 new officers,benefits costincreases and contractual cost increases.

She addedthere was also the removal of one-time funding from the 2022 budget, including the $1.6 millionfrom the 2021 budget surplus and $500,000from the benefit stabilization reserve.

She mentioned there were inflation impacts such as increasing gasoline prices.

Police to explore more options

During Wednesday's meeting, several board membersasked police to incorporate additional information andscenario optionsto 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 ourcommunities 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 staffwill 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 forDec.14, with final board approvalplannedfor Jan.18,according to the report.

As forwhen police will present their budget to the region, that hasyet to bescheduled, butregional approval is setforFeb.8.