BD
Haldimand
Norfolk 1994
Ontario Civilian Commission On Police Services
Reason For Decision
Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police Services Board
Appellant
Regional Municipality of Haldimand-Norfolk
Respondent
Presiding Members:
Karl R. Fuller, Member
Mary Woo-Sims, Member
Staff:
Gordon Hampson, Senior Advisor
Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services
Appearances:
Ms. Pamela Aylan-Parker, Chair, Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police Service Board
Mr. Ede Pos, Co-Chair, Budget and Finance Committee, Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police Services Board
Mr. Jay Hoover, Member, Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police Services Board
Mayor James D .Earl, Member, Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police Service Board
Mr. Albert L. Vandepoele, Chief of Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police Service
Mr. Keith Richardson , Chair, Regional Municipality of Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police Service Board
Mr. Robert Johnson, Treasurer, Regional Municipality of Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police Service Board
Mr. Lee Stewart, Retired Chief of Police, Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police Service
Mr. Robert Dandeno, Norfolk Taxpayers Coalition Constable Steve Hodgson, President, Haldimand-Norfolk Police Association
Constable Gary Otter, Haldimand-Norfolk Police Service Mr. Ted Aylan-Parker Taxpayer
Hearing Date: Tuesday, April 26, 199
This is an application by the Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police Services Board pursuant to Section 39 (4) of the Police Services Act.
39 (4) “If the Council does not approve the
Board’s estimates or disagrees with
the Board on the number of members of
the police force that is adequate or
the equipment and facilities that are
adequate, the Commission shall
determine the question after a hearing”.
The Facts:
The Police Services Board presented a budget in the amount of $8,244,312.00. The Regional Municipality approved the amount of $8,244,312.00 The shortfall of $50,000.00 forms the basis of the Board’s request of the Commission for a hearing to determine the question.
Position of Police Services Board:
Mr. Ede Pos and Ms. Aylan-Parker made presentations on behalf of the Board. The Board argued that in previous budgets it had made substantial cuts. In documents presented, the Board stated:
“Unfortunately, this previous whittling
away of the budget has bought us to the
point where there is nothing else left to whittle.”
In emphasizing its efforts to contain costs, the Board explained that its last agreement with the Police Association was in 1992, which allowed for 1 per cent wage increase. The Board further outlined the process which it had undertaken in reviewing a number of component parts which included:
(a) Gapping
(This refers to the practice of not filling a vacant
position for a period of time).
They explained that, this was an ineffective approach in
that the net effect, in their recent experience, was to
increases overtime costs by nearly 100 per cent.
(b) Capital Cost-Vehicles
The Board pointed out that of the 31 vehicles in
operation, four are to be disposed of during 1994. Based
upon the replacement cost experience for the previous two
years, the Board had requested $150,000,00. be set
aside for vehicle replacement in 1994. Actual amount
allowed for in the budget is $141,000.00. The submission
to the Commission discloses the following with respect to
vehicle purchases.
1988 - 2 vehicles
1989 – 1 vehicle
1990 - 4 vehicles
1991 – 2 vehicles
1992 – 9 vehicles
1993 – 12 vehicles
The analysis does not disclose the metrage on each, but it is noted that the four cars recommended to be traded have in excess of $150,000 kilometers each.
Insurance Premium
The cost of insurance has increased significantly; $213,120.00 over the 1993 levels. The Board points out that this item alone is double the difference in the net levy from 1993 to 1994. The Board has taken steps to find a new carrier.
Position of Regional Municipality:
In his presentation, Mr. Keith Richardson, Regional Chairman, pointed to the high incidence of tax arrears within the Region. This had increased from 8.6 percent during 1988-89 to 12.9 per cent during 1991-1993, an increase in excess of 50 per cent. This had negative impact on the Region’s revenues. The 1993 police budget provided for an increase of 2.8 per cent. As well, he pointed out that the Municipality had to come up with $698,000.00 to meet social contract and the expenditure control plan requirements after the 1993 budget was set. He indicated that 45.2 full-time equivalent positions had to be eliminated. The Regional Chairman emphasized that it was necessary that the Regional Corporation be sensitive to the ability of the property taxpayers to pay. It had accordingly set a 0 per cent increase target for 1994.
Reasons for Decision:
The Commission is aware of the realities of the economic pressures facing municipal governments. Transfer payments from the Province have not been at levels that would support spending at the desired levels. Municipalities across the province have had to cope with these realities and they are compelled to find creative ways to ensure the support of necessary services. Police services, like other departments, have had to develop methods of coping with restricted funding while at the same time maintaining effective services to their communities.
The dispute in Haldimand-Norfolk this a shortfall of $50,000.00 Indeed, the Police Services Board had identified where it could reduce its request by $25, 000, 00. But subsequently withdrew the offer. The Commission is not willing to rule on a specific line item adjustment but is of the opinion that the Board is able to operate with the budget of $8,224,312.00 as approved by the Municipality .We would invite the Board to have a serious look at the allocation for Capital Costs/Vehicles. We are not qualified to make judgement on the functioning of any vehicle but we note that 27 of the 30 vehicles are less than or about four years old.
The Police Services Board has indicated that “the real question at stake is the integrity of the budgeting process and the effect this will have on the level of police services”. We recognize the responsibilities that rest with the Police Services Board, but we do not foresee an adverse effect resulting from the shortfall of $50,000.00.
DATED THIS 6th DAY OF JUNE, 1994,