Rising Policing Costs to Impact Town of Vegreville

Rising Policing Costs to Impact Town of Vegreville

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

RCMP have developed a five year final plan and details of the plan are included in a report that was brought forward at the Town of Vegreville’s legislative committee meeting on March 7.

While there isn’t a lot of “wiggle room” in the agreement, Mayor Tim MacPhee said they do “try to negotiate the best deal” they can for the citizens of Vegreville to have policing in town. “We also know the concerns of the people outside of town. Because crime doesn’t just stop at the town limits. So, we’re working very closely with the RCMP to try to get through this period right now, trying to provide a level of service we expect with the money we’re paying.”

Currently, there is a staffing shortage at the Vegreville RCMP Detachment. “We are paying for two officers who are not there right now. That is the case and we’re trying to find a solution right now. There’s just not a lot officers to go around right now.”

MacPhee said the municipality is governed by the Alberta Police Act. He explained that, “The RCMP come to us with the cost increases and what they’re plan is. But in actual fact, we don’t pay the RCMP, the money flows through the Government of Alberta. They are the ones in charge of the contract through the Alberta Policing Agreement that the municipalities over 5,000 sign on with.”

Vegreville RCMP Detachment

(News Advertiser/File Photo)

Meghan Saskiw, Corporate Services Director for the Town of Vegreville, informed council back in January the per capita, (member) increase would be $144,687. The previous year the per capita cost was $136,892. She noted that a total of 1.32 million had been budgeted for policing, and in 2022, it was $1.1 million.

Saskiw stated in an updated memorandum to council on March 7 that, “The RCMP have made note in their most recent correspondence that their forecasted policing costs have increased significantly in 2022/23 for all communities. Some key drivers in these projections include pay raise, training, equipment, and unit operating and maintenance costs.

The latest forecast from RCMP has the per capita, (member) pegged at $147,780. The increase over prior year per member is $10,888.

In addition to the increase for the in year pay raise from 2021/2022 fiscal year, the Town has not yet been invoiced for the retro pay in the amount of $194,057. This payable was recorded in the 2021 financials as a payable, and covered with a transfer from unrestricted surplus as approved by council.”