The Owen Sound Police Services are being asked to change the way they do business.
Specifically, the way they spend money.
City council unanimously approved a motion on Monday night requesting the police services board to follow the example of other city departments and find new ways to rein in costs.
Councillor David Adair introduced the motion — pointing out that the police services budget represents more than 25 per cent of the overall city budget.
The budget increases for police services also outpace other city departments — and Adair says it’s an unsustainable situation.
A document prepared by city hall shows that police costs in Owen Sound are $321.40 per capita.
It listed seven other Ontario municipalities — all of comparable size to Owen Sound — and only Brockville’s costs were higher, at $417.97.
Adair says wages and benefits are an unavoidable expense — but adds that is true of all city departments.
Adair says if police costs are not brought under control, the city will have to start slashing other services.
Emergency services, including fire and ambulance, account for half of Owen Sound’s annual budget.
But a special motion is needed here because the police board, unlike fire services, is at arms length from council.
Adair is one of two council representatives on the police board, along with Councillor Deb Haswell, who also spoke positively about the motion.
