The City of Dryden is once again seeking an OPP costing study.
Mayor Greg Wilson’s motion to proceed with talks with Ontario’s Solicitor General was approved recently, with only Councillor Shayne MacKinnon opposed.
Wilson stresses policing costs per household for the City are the highest in the region and represent about 24-per cent of the annual budget. He says a recent contract settlement with the Dryden Police Association indicates that the trend of increasing costs will likely continue into the future.
MacKinnon doesn’t agree with the numbers and the timing of policing study. He says this council has so many good things to work on and now “we’re moving backwards to vote on an issue that rightly, should be decided by the next voters in this community.”
All on Council expressed their appreciation and pride for the Dryden Police Service, stressing it’s not about level of service, it’s about finances.
In a November 2018 costing presentation, OPP Sergeant Kelly Withrow reported the total estimated policing cost for the City would be nearly $4.8-million a year during a three year transition period, with a one-time capital start-up of $663,000. The total in the first year would be $5.4-million. The OPP projected $1-million in savings by year five of the contract.
No time-line have been given for the study.
