2021 will be the second year of the City of Saskatoon’s new two year budget system, but Police Chief Troy Cooper says they have had to re-jig things because no one knew there would be a pandemic.
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Although not directly connected to COVID-19, the operating and capital budgets presented to the Board of Police Commissioners includes an increase of almost $500,000, or 4.83 per cent to the operating budget, which could affect the mill rate.

One of the major reasons for the extra cost is from salary increases and the request for five special constables to take over supervisory positions now held by police officers. Chief Cooper says it’s an increased cost initially, but it also means freeing up five officers for police work and long-term salary savings as early as 2023. The budget also includes hiring 4 new constables, which would keep the Police Service in line with population growth.

Another request is in response to police scrutiny worldwide, and that’s a body-worn camera pilot. The Board approved the draft budget, but it still has to go to City Council later this year.