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Police Budget Up 4.5%, Request for Efficiency Study

Tuesday, 5 February 2013 10:08

Taking a bite out of crime will take a bite out of taxpayers in Woodstock. The Woodstock Police Services Board passed their 2013 budget last night at a 4.5% increase. It's an extra $400,000 to essentially just cover the increasing cost of salaries and benefits. Woodstock Mayor Pat Sobeski tells Heart FM there are no new asks for new officers or vehicles in this budget. "In this budget, there will be no increase in police officers. The Chief thought at one point in time, he'd like to add a couple of cadets, but that's off the map. They took a look at their fleet this year, they're not going to be adding two cars like they normally might. So he's (Chief Freeman) trying to do his best to keep costs while keeping the community safe." But at the same time, Sobeski says the Police Services Board recognizes the ever-rising cost of policing is not sustainable in the long term. "The Police Board will be requesting of council up to $50,000 to do an efficiency study. No different than the study that's currently underway with the fire department." City Council will hear the full budget presentation from Chief Rod Freeman on Thursday night.

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