OPP billing model a 'Band-Aid'
Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 6:22 amProposed changes to the OPP’s billing model are a “Band-Aid” solution to the problem of rising policing costs, local police board member Patrick Kehoe says.
“The costs of policing haven’t changed, they are just being distributed differently,” he said. “The problem is the rate at which they are escalating.”
Rising policing costs were at the center of contentious contract negotiations that ended with the city retaining the OPP as its provider of policing services.
Kehoe said Orillia stands to enjoy “moderate” savings under a revamped billing model proposed for communities served by the provincial police force.
However, the changes do nothing to address arbitrated salary increases that continue to drive up costs, he added.
“This is not addressing the long-term un-affordability of police services,” he said, later adding, “The fact of the matter is, crime is dropping and police costs are going through the roof.”
Police board chair Rick Fraracci noted wage negotiations are outside the board’s jurisdiction, and recommended raising the issue with “a higher authority, possibly during a provincial election.”
The board will send a letter to the minister of community safety and correctional services urging it to consider the impact of binding arbitration on policing costs.
Mayor Angelo Orsi said a concerted effort involving multiple municipalities would have greater impact than a letter.
“I don’t think it goes far enough,” he added. “I think it’s a wasted stamp. What has to happen, if anybody is serious enough, is all the municipalities have to get together to be really taken seriously.”
The new billing model seeks to ensure costs are distributed more equitably across OPP-patrolled communities.
Officials anticipate the new model will be implemented in 2015.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has created a steering committee to review the proposed billing model and offer alternatives to address concerns raised by communities.
http://www.simcoe.com/news-story/451883 ... band-aid-/
“The costs of policing haven’t changed, they are just being distributed differently,” he said. “The problem is the rate at which they are escalating.”
Rising policing costs were at the center of contentious contract negotiations that ended with the city retaining the OPP as its provider of policing services.
Kehoe said Orillia stands to enjoy “moderate” savings under a revamped billing model proposed for communities served by the provincial police force.
However, the changes do nothing to address arbitrated salary increases that continue to drive up costs, he added.
“This is not addressing the long-term un-affordability of police services,” he said, later adding, “The fact of the matter is, crime is dropping and police costs are going through the roof.”
Police board chair Rick Fraracci noted wage negotiations are outside the board’s jurisdiction, and recommended raising the issue with “a higher authority, possibly during a provincial election.”
The board will send a letter to the minister of community safety and correctional services urging it to consider the impact of binding arbitration on policing costs.
Mayor Angelo Orsi said a concerted effort involving multiple municipalities would have greater impact than a letter.
“I don’t think it goes far enough,” he added. “I think it’s a wasted stamp. What has to happen, if anybody is serious enough, is all the municipalities have to get together to be really taken seriously.”
The new billing model seeks to ensure costs are distributed more equitably across OPP-patrolled communities.
Officials anticipate the new model will be implemented in 2015.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has created a steering committee to review the proposed billing model and offer alternatives to address concerns raised by communities.
http://www.simcoe.com/news-story/451883 ... band-aid-/