Neebing policing cost to rise by 300%

[Michael Jack]

In January of 2015, Ontario municipalities will be subject to a new funding formula for police services provided by the Ontario Provincial Police.

The Municipality of Neebing in 2012 paid a total of $97,744 for police services or $124 per household. A near 300-per-cent increase in 2015 will result in a cost of $400 per household despite Neebing’s very low crime rate compared to other jurisdictions.

With this new funding formula, a much larger portion of Neebing’s police budget will be directed to other areas of the province with higher crime rates. Neebing will not see an increased police presence as a result of the new funding formula.

The 2012 audit of the Ontario Provincial Police resulted in a number of operational and administrative deficiencies which have yet to be resolved. Until this is done, the revised funding formula should be shelved.

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