Policing hikes taxes

July 15, 2008 Salmon Arm Observer

Increased costs of policing will drive up the taxes of city residents one per cent every year for the next five years. The federally requested increase for 2009 includes $3,556 extra per member of the Salmon Arm detachment, amounting to $67,582. The increase also includes the hiring of a new member halfway through the year, at $63,235. The total increase is $130,817 which creates a 1.05 per cent tax increase for city residents. City manager of financial services Chris Cadotte wrote that RCMP projections foresee an increase of approximately $90,000 every year for the next five years, not including the cost of any new members added to the police force. “The community certainly did voice their needs, and their wish for an increase in policing services,” said Coun. Alan Harrison.Coun. Ivan Idzan commented that the increase is mandated by the federal government, and is out of the city’s control. Coun. Kevin Flynn noted the city also pays for prisoner costs, disability benefits for officers, and other expenses that come in a letter request partway through the year.

Currently, the city pays $122,913 per member per year to maintain an 18.5 member force. This cost is projected to increase to $146,576 for a 22-member force by the year 2013. “If we continue to want policing, we’re going to continue to pay a one per cent increase in taxes,” said Coun. Chad Eliason. The city approved the projected 2009 increase in a letter to the Federal Treasury Board, an approval which is mandated for the board to authorize the funding for policing services and not cut them back during the 2009 budget process.