Thunder Bay Police Board noted in its most recent meeting that its operational budget has gone over in the third quarter.
As of September 2022, Thunder Bay Police were looking at $1.6 million in additional overtime payments for sworn and civilian staff. There was also an unfavourable variance of $125,000 for WSIB expenditures.
An additional $103,000 was paid for duty wages with the Police Board citing “normal pre-covid activities starting sooner than expected”.
It’s noted that the overtime variance were costs associated with their new collective agreement for increasing uniform patrol along with paying out lieu and overtime related to sudden death investigation and major crime cases, including homicides.
Looking ahead at its 2023 budget, the Police Service wants to replace its fleet, is working on a new headquarters as well as seeking more staff to fulfill its mandate and grow with the increasing population base of Thunder Bay.
The proposed net budget is as follows:
- Operating – $52,030,800
- Capital – $2,188,700
- Overall, the TBPS proposes a Net Budget increase of $3.5 million, or 7.2% to ensure adequate
and effective police services
The proposed budget was approved at the Nov. 15 meeting.
For the Police Services Board budget, Secretary John Hannam provided the overview of the proposed $648,200 budget.
Significant increases were recommended in order to meet actual expenses that were incurred in 2022, as well as expected activity for 2023.
Much of the increase will be to respond to the recommendations from the Expert Panel to the tune of $310,000. Other increases would be paid out for legal fees, community engagement costs and board members’ salaries.
After the motion was presented for the Board’s consideration and it was approved.
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