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2 € : 2 BB NEWS DAVID LEA dlea@metroland.com The Halton police are anning to ask the region for an increased budget of 2022. The budget, which must still be approved by the Hal- ton Police Board and the Halton Region, would re- present a 5.7 per cent in- crease from the previous budget. Of that proposed in- crease, 2.1 per cent was at- tributed to compensation, 13 per cent to staffing crease costs, 0.7 per cent to to benefits, 0.3 per cent to tech- nology costs, 0.3 per cent to “all other costs," 0.6 per cent to the new Halton Hills po- lice station, and 0.4 per cent to cybersecurity costs. The matter was briefly discussed during a meeting of the Halton Police Board on Nov. 10; however, as the board members had been given little time to review budget documents, they voted to defer consideration toa futur ting. n called traced in their ir budget pre. sentation how the increase they are requesting is going to address the board's prior- ities around crime. Halton police Chief Ste- phen Tanner noted in a re- port to the board that when func represents an increase of four per cent when com- pared to the 2022 puder He said significant dri ers impacting the 2023 bud. get include: + Staffing needs to main- tain focus on front-line po- licing service levels and programs while reflecting HALTON POLICE PROPOSING $ rn Graham Paine/Metroland Halton police Chief Stephen Tanner. emerging trends and con- tinued growth in demand for policing services. . Upcoming contract ne- gotiation: * Tnereased fuel costs and increased construction costs for the new Halton ‘ills police station due to inflation. + Enhanced cybersecuri- ty investment. “We are continuously aware of the board's objec- tive to demonstrate pru- dent y use of taxpayer ¢ dollars ecognizing the need to vows adequate and ef- fective police services for Halton region," said Tanner in the report. "The challenge for the board and management re- i i ing the need to service an ever- growing community and to respond to changes in ser- vice delivery and emerging trends, wl ga Bscally responsible request rr resources and funding. We believe that the 2023 funding request achieves this balance." The police service is pro- posing to add 20 sworn offi- cer positions and five civil- ian positions in the coming year. They also want to con- vert one part-time civilian Join Al in supporting and giving back to our local community. Q Peter Messenger, ‘A1 President — At Air Conditioning & Heating © Whether you're a dog person or a cat person, there’s no denying the amount of joy animals bring to our lives. This year, we have been proud to partner with the Oakville & Milton Humane Society on their Mission Pawsible and Pet Food Bank initiatives. Giving back has always been an important part of Al. From when my grandfather founded the company in 1967, we've believed that when pani support local it makes a difference in our communities. 99 vy HUMANE SOCIETY AlAir.ca | 647-492-6781 3-1420 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON and causes, You can transform the life of an animal this holiday season. Donate to OMHS and your gift will be matched until December 31, 2022. As always, if you need us we're here for you! 186M BUDGET FOR 2023 position {01 fut time. While a 2021 Statistics Canada report fo found Hal- ton continues to be one of the first six months of 2022. Much of that increase was chalked up to crime re- tl pre-pandemic levels; however, Tanner ac- nowledged some crimes such as robberies, sexual assaults, extortion and ve- hicle thefts are occurring more frequently. The next Halton Police Board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 22; however, board chair Jeff Knoll noted an earlier meeting could be called to discuss the budget ifneeded. The police budget is not expected to come before the region for approval until January.