Monday’s Budget meeting saw council approve four requested enhancements, raising the tax increase 0.37% for a grand total of 1.87%.
The enhancements include the addition of two more members for Prince George RCMP, two Bylaw Compliance Assistants during a specified time, an Emergency Program Coordinator, and pushing forward the Starlane Park project. Click here for more on the Starlane project.
“We had to deal with those and it’s always important to take a look at what it means from a budget perspective,” explains Mayor Lyn Hall.
The addition of two officers is part of an initiative presented in 2016 where the detachment would increase its workforce by seven members, three is the first year and two in each of the following two years.
PG RCMP has reached over one million dollars in overtime every year since 2013, topping $1.5 million twice in that span.
It is estimated the positions will be filled in September of this year. The forecasted cost to cover the two members for September to December is $116,328; that number jumps to $348,983 in annual costs after this year.
Council voted seven to two in favour of this, with Councillors Terri McConnachie and Brian Skakun going against the motion.
The two Bylaw Compliance Assistants are separate from the police officers; technically they are classified as peace officers.
These assistants will work to handle marginalized persons in the downtown and surrounding area who create health and safety concerns; and will only be operational between May 1st and September 30th because that is the most critical time they will be needed.
Full cost, wages, and benefits total $52,577 for the two and was approved unanimously.
A new Emergency Program Coordinator comes following a review of the evacuation supports in July and August 2017. Administration made the case for the position to switch from a part-time model to a full-time model.
The coordinator will lead the city’s efforts in emergency program management and will report on all matters related to the budgeting, planning, and function of the Emergency Program. This person will report to the Fire Department.
Council approved eight to one, with Councillor Garth Frizzell on the other side of the vote. The full annual cost, salary, and benefits in $134,394 for this position.
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