CORNWALL, Ontario – The association representing Cornwall police officers this week acknowledged the costs of emergency services in the city are reaching a tipping point.
Dave MacLean, president of the Cornwall Police Association, said in an interview his members are aware of the financial pressures being faced by city taxpayers.
“We acknowledge that costs have been going up and there’s increased strain on city budgets,” he said. “With our police contract our membership has made a commitment to working with the community to begin to rein in some of those costs.”
It’s MacLean’s belief the current police contract, which expires at the end of this year, includes modest salary increases.
“In the late 80s and early 90s Cornwall was one of the top paid police services in the province,” he said. “That has changed now. Now we’re in the middle of the pack.”
At the end of the previous contract, a first-class Cornwall constable earned about $92,000 a year, not including benefits or overtime, which can push their yearly income beyond $100,000.
The existing police contract called for increases in 2013 (1.5 per cent, followed by 1.25 per cent), 2014 (1.5 followed by one) and this year (1.5 per cent).
“We made a conscious effort to realize we live in a community where our members can live comfortably,” said MacLean. “Because we’re a part of the community…our members have expressed an interest in not being at the top of the list.”
City council recently approved the 2015 police budget, which comes with an $18-million price tag – much of which covers salaries and benefits.
While there was some grumbling at the council table, most councillors suggested the budget was a prudent document.
