COBDEN — Police budget figures were once again the topic of discussion during the Protective Services Committee meeting for Whitewater Region Township last night.
Treasurer Marsha Hawthorne informed council the cost per property is $214.89 per month for a total of $775,535 for the year.
In 2014, the cost was $17.96 per property, she noted.
The impact on the 2015 budget is an additional $133,283 has to found while it will be $36.93 per property, she added.
These amounts are what the township has budgeted, Ms. Hawthorne said. There is also the cost for calls for service. Explaining, she said, “Any time there is a police car in Whitewater Region, we will be billed for that.”
Chief executive officer Christine FitzSimons said the public must be educated that every time they call the police, there’s an added cost to the municipality.
“They need to know the impact of what it means if you pick up the phone and call the police,” she said. “There are alternatives. You don’t always have to call the OPP first.
“This committee needs to turn their attention to this matter.”
Ms. Hawthorne said she called the OPP to find out how much a recent incident in the township will cost, but she is still awaiting a return phone call. However, along with the OPP responding, the fire department sometimes responds as well, which is another cost to the township.
Councillor Chris Olmstead questioned if there has been a response to council’s letter regarding the unorganized townships helping with the cost of policing in those areas,.
CAO FitzSimons said there has been no response yet.
“I wouldn’t hold my breath that the letter will have a huge impact,” she said. “It depends on how many municipalities will support it.”
Councillor Dave Mackay again suggested another option for policing be looked at, such as a county wide police force.
Mayor Hal Johnson agreed with Coun. Mackay.
“We are paying 60 per cent for police to be on standby,” he said. “The province has to take (policing) back.
“The police force is entering into highway robbery.
“We need to look at other options,” he stated.
Coun. Olmstead questioned if there is a “menu to show what we are paying,” for various calls.
Ms. Hawthorne said she hasn’t received any list.
Committee chair Councillor Cathy Regier thanked Ms. Hawthorne for her update and advised that as more information becomes available, the committee would be updated.
