(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

Police budget 2024

Police ask city to rethink budget cut decision

Dec 8, 2023 | 3:00 PM

With city council prepared on Monday to pass multiple aspects of its 2024 budget, the Prince Albert Police Service is asking to have councillors re-think their decision when it comes to increased funding for police.

PAPS had asked for a $1.5 million increase but council cut that amount in half, giving them an extra $750,000 instead.

Police Commission chair, Janet Carriere has now asked council to re-think that number.

“We would clarify that our original request did not reflect expansion or net growth in services whatsoever,” wrote Carriere in her letter to council.

“It was a reflection of the bare minimum required for the Prince Albert Police to ensure safety and security of the residents and visitors to our city.”

Policing

Bikes and backpacks: PA Police chief says cause needed before interview can happen

5h ago

Local talent

'It just feels so magical': the candy man arrives in Prince Albert

5h ago

Giving back

Northern Bears returning the favour this holiday season

7h ago

She went on to say that Chief Patrick Nogier has found ways to reduce the $1.5 million increase by $240,000, but the rest is needed to maintain services.

That would mean a budget increase of about $1.25 million and that council needs to add about $500,000 to what it allowed during the budget process.

Many of the costs are fixed and beyond PAPS control, said Carriere. Of the proposed budget, 96 per cent is for salaries, benefits, and contracted services.

“Any reduction to the proposed budget means that resources will be strained and could potentially lead to a decline in the standard of public safety that the police services is able to provide,” wrote Carriere.

A confounding factor is that the service is attempting to make the changes recommended by a review done by the Ministry of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety while at the same time, crime severity has increased in the city and PAPS wants to be able to allocate its resources better.

Council will see the request as part of the agenda for the Monday, December 11 regular meeting to be held at City Hall.

—

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com