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PRESENTATION REGARDING THE BARRIE POLICE SERVICE PROPOSED 2023 BUDGET REQUEST
Councillor, G. Harvey declared that to remain in compliance with his statutory obligations under Section 17(3) of the Police Services Act he was unable to participate in the discussions or vote on the foregoing matter. He did not participate in the discussion or vote on the matter. He left the Council Chamber.
Greg Ferguson, Chair of the Barrie Police Services Board and Police Chief Rich Johnson of Barrie Police Service provided an overview of the Barrie Police Service (BPS) 2023 Budget requirements.
Mr. Ferguson advised that the strategic business plan requirements are guided by several key factors to fulfill policing responsibilities, public expectations, evidence-based delivery of police services, and increasing financial pressures. He commented that the 2023 Budget requirement balances fiscal constraints while meeting the obligations under the Police Services Act and the expectations of the Community.
Police Chief Johnson discussed the three main strategic priorities of the Barrie Police Service to Prevent and Address Crime, Leverage Partnerships to Reduce Social Disorder, and Build a Resilient Organization. He commented that BPS also supports and implements the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.
Mr. Ferguson and Police Chief Johnson discussed slides concerning the following topics:
• A pie chart illustrating a breakdown of BPS salaries, benefits, and overtime;
• The legislative impacts of Supporting Ontario’s First Responders Act and Next Generation 911;
• Budget increases associated with salaries, benefits, and overtime and Supporting Ontario’s First Responders Act;
• A bar graph comparing the numbers of authorized and actual sworn officers between 2015 to 2023;
• A chart illustrating a comparison of various municipalities and Provincial and National averages of officer ratios by population between 2018 to 2021;
• Charts illustrating the BPS operating expenditures and revenues;
• An overview of the transfer to capital reserve associated with the fleet, information technology, specialized equipment, radio equipment, and an upgrade to the City’s Radio system;
• A summary of the 2023 BPS Budget;
• A chart illustrating the BPS Budget and Barrie’s population between 2011 to 2022; and
• The municipal funding requirement for 2023, 7.28% over the 2022 Budget.
In closing, Mr. Ferguson expressed that the Barrie Police Service does recognize that their 2023 Budget request is significant; however, staffing levels of sworn officers and civilians needs to increase to the amount approved by the Barrie Police Services Board. He requested approval of the municipal funding portion of the Barrie Police Service 2023 Budget request.
Members of Council asked a number of questions of Mr. Ferguson and Chief Johnson and received responses.