The proposed 2025 budget for the Barrie Police Service contained an increase of 5.79 per cent compared to 2024, jumping from $63.2 million to $71.4 million.
In a release on Monday, officials with the service said the 2025 budget proposal identifies three "themes that align with the additional requirements over last year’s budget."
The themes include:
- Staffing and Service Levels
- Legislative Requirements
- Technology and Innovation
"Staffing and Service Levels represent approximately 95 per cent of our total budget and through the continued support of our Police Service Board, we are closing the gap between authorized complement and deployable officers each year," officials wrote.
"A continual review and analysis of our existing resources allow us to ensure we are positioned to most effectively allocate resources to our front-line members and provide the highest level of service to our community."
The proposal includes new officers to replace six members who are currently off on WSIB due to mental health and are not expected to return to work.
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According to the release, legislative requirements are "non-discretionary."
Officials say the service has "little or no ability to influence them due to contractual, third party, legislative, or necessary requirements to meet the needs of our growing city."
"Examples of these include the introduction of the new Community Safety and Policing Act, which was enacted on April 1 of this year, continued WSIB-related legislation and required supports for members that are suffering from mental stress injuries, as well as the implementation of the provincially prescribed Next Generation 911."
As for investments in technology, they are required to "provide a proactive and innovative police service," officials wrote.
"The Service continues to explore all available grant funding opportunities to help support or expand these initiatives."
The proposed 2025 budget will be considered at the next Police Service Board meeting on October 17. The public can watch the meeting by clicking here.
The police budget must be ratified by Barrie City Council as part of the city's overall budget process.
