Chatham-Kent councilors voted in favor of the recommended police budget with a 3.3 per cent hike during Thursday’s deliberations.
The $35.3 million budget includes a net increase of nearly $1.13 million, with Chief Gary Conn noting there were no service reductions, nor any additional hires.
“Although it is bare bones, it is still possible, while ensuring adequate and effective policing,” he said.
Overall, the new police budget has a 0.64 per cent tax impact.
Conn said there are number of enhancements, among which include an additional officer moved to the community mobilization unit, polygraph device and training, expanded bike patrol, body cameras, the downtown Chatham CCTV pilot project, armored rescue vehicle and automated license plate readers.
Chatham-Kent currently has 169 sworn officers, along with 65 civilian employees. There were 73,135 calls for service last year.
Also on Thursday, South Kent County. Anthony Ceccacci entered a successful motion asking that the six per cent inflation figure for capital and lifecycle costs be trimmed to four per cent, for a savings of approximately $1.36 million.
“To be honest, I’m finding it a very challenging aspect to find cuts,” he said. “In speaking with staff, this is a number that might not be perfect, but they are at least palatable with.
“This is a significant cost savings, (while) not kicking the can too far down the road.”
With this reduction, the proposed 6.35 per cent tax hike has dropped to 5.58 per cent.
Wednesday’s budget meeting was canceled due to the weather, making Thursday the first night of deliberations.
The budget process resumes this Tuesday at 6 pm in council chambers, with Wednesday and Thursday set aside if needed. The meetings will also be live-streamed.
This story will be updated.