CORNWALL, Ontario – The Cornwall Police Services Board gave their approval of the proposed annual budget on Tuesday, Feb. 26.
The budget, which will see an approximate increase of 1.99 per cent or $372, 418, totals over $19 million.
“I think this looks like a responsible budget at this time,” said Mayor Bernadette Clement. “I feel satisfied with it. Obviously, we are a new board, and we will probably have more questions…but certainly, I feel comfortable with it.”
Chief Danny Aikman explained that 87 per cent, or $17,936,032 of the budget is tied to staffing costs. A 1.85 per cent increase in salaries across the board, with an additional increase in benefits, contributes heavily to the overall value.
An increase in capital of $43,600 can largely be attributed to vehicle financing and replacement, which will gradually adorn the new service logo according to Paul Scrimshaw, Deputy Treasurer with the City. A slight increase in services and rent, which accounts for 5 per cent or $27,898 of the overall budget, was also noted.
“There is a small increase in services and rent…an element (of this category) includes the introduction of our Employee Wellness Plan,” said Chief Aikman. Aikman hopes that the plan, which focuses on employees’ mental and physical wellbeing, will be built into the 2020 budget.
Aikman commended Deputy Chief Shawna Spowart for perseverance in seeking provincial and federal grants, which will amount to approximately $1,197,000 in the budget.
It was also noted throughout the meeting that although $621,000 was allotted for overtime pay in 2018, the service incurred over $637,000. Chief Aikman said that this inflated figure is largely because of an increase in mental health calls by 155 per cent, which, in most cases, involve two officers accompanying an individual to the hospital at an average of 10 hours each. Aikman said it is a goal to reduce the amount of time officers spend at the hospital and the involvement of a mental health professional greatly assists with the process.
During the meeting, Councillor Glen Grant was appointed chairman of the board, along with Michel Payette as Vice Chairman. Martha Woods, Executive Director of the Eastern Ontario Training Board (EOTB) was also sworn in as a new board member as one spot remains vacant.
The budget will be finalized when approved by the budget committee and council.
