Police chief trims 2013 budget, but not nearly enough for city
Posted December 3, 2012 4:34 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – Police Chief Bill Blair has managed to trim a bit more off his 2013 budget, but it’s not anywhere close to the numbers the city’s budget committee wanted to see.
The chief found $2.3-million in savings, which remains about two per cent over the zero-increase target.
In order to meet the target, he would have to cut an additional $21-million, but Blair said doing so will lead to the layoffs of more than 130 police officers and 50 civilian staff members.
The budget committee will take a closer look at the police budget during meetings on Thursday.
Last week, the city manager said a zero-increase police budget and a near two per cent tax hike are a necessary step to balance the books.
