"Durham regional council won't make a decision on a roughly $1.1-billion 10-year plan for the region's police service until after the municipal election in October. The strategy, created by the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) and regional staff, calls for more funding for the service through a series of property tax hikes over the next decade. The increases could push the region's total property tax increase above 10 per cent in 2027."
"At a finance committee meeting Tuesday, members voted 4-2 to refer the proposal to the 2027 budget, with two councillors absent. The motion means regional staff and police can begin working on the plan to be ready for the 2027 budget, said regional chair John Henry, who moved the motion. He said the plan is a "big ask" but he believes it can be done in stages, in a way that balances affordability for taxpayers and police needs."
"Durham police Chief Peter Moreira told CBC News he was disappointed in Tuesday's outcome. He has repeatedly said he wanted regional council to decide on the plan which they first saw at a meeting on Friday rather than pushing it to be considered after the election. The chief said the plan addresses urgent issues in Durham police buildings, including a lack of potable water in the service's north division, where water is regularly imported for officers to drink and shower."
"It also includes an estimated $574-million police headquarters in Oshawa, as well as hiring more officers and upgrades to police technology. "Every moment that goes by without those investments means that we are losing ground to the criminal element and the changing nature of harm," Moreira said."
Durham regional council will not decide on a roughly $1.1-billion, 10-year police service plan until after the October municipal election. The plan, developed by the Durham Regional Police Service and regional staff, relies on increased funding through property tax hikes over the next decade. The projected increases could push the region’s total property tax increase above 10% in 2027. At a finance committee meeting, members voted 4-2 to refer the proposal to the 2027 budget, with two councillors absent. Regional chair John Henry said work can begin so the plan is ready for the 2027 budget, balancing affordability and police needs. Police Chief Peter Moreira expressed disappointment and cited urgent needs such as potable water shortages in the north division, a planned $574-million headquarters in Oshawa, additional officer hiring, and technology upgrades.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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