Moncton could save $1.2M with new RCMP deal

Moncton has reached a tentative agreement with Dieppe and Riverview on a new cost sharing agreement for RCMP services that would save the city $1.2 million annually.

Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc announced the deal on Monday as the city was soliciting public opinion on whether they should stick withthe Codiac Rgional RCMP service, set up a Moncton-only RCMP detachment or revert to a municipal police force.

The city also wants more money from the federal goverment before agreeing to stick with the RCMP.

LeBlanc said the deal was reached about two weeks go with the two neighbouring councils.

"We've been working on that for some time and recently we were able to iron out terms of a new agreement, which have been approved in principle by each of the three councils," LeBlanc said.

When Moncton began the debate on ending the regional RCMP service, it had complained that it paid an unfair amount for the local RCMP force.

At the time, it was estimated the average cost of RCMP service in Moncton for a $140,000 home was $467, while it was only $387 in Riverview and $245 in Dieppe.

New deal could start in 2011

If the deal is ratified, the Moncton mayor saidit could be phased in next year.

Each community's cost will be based on a formula that includes population, assessment and calls for service.

By 2012, Moncton's share of the Codiac RCMP budget will drop to 70 per cent from 74 per cent, which would save an estimated $1.2 million.

What is still causing a sticking point is whether the federal government will offer Moncton a 10 per cent rebate for sticking with the RCMP.

LeBlanc said other Canadian cities receive the rebate from the federal government and Moncton is the only city that doesn't.

The federal government's failure to offer Moncton the same subsidy is costing the city an extra $1.8 million annually.

The mayor said without that federal money it makes no sense to hire the RCMP.