Police salary budget pressures: Is there more to the story?

Revenue Stream

As taxpayers it's easy for us to get angry about high public servant salaries, politicians sometimes exploit this based on their agendas and their perceived naivety of the electorate. We cannot be expected to understand the intricacies of Public policy (because we are not quite as educated as they are) so it's easy to throw the cops under the double decker bus knowing they will get the reaction they want. But, the smart taxpayer understands the dynamics involved and is usually skeptical of outlandish claims.

Take revenue as an example, I have not seen the word revenue in any media report associated with the police budget pressures. As taxpayers in the City of Ottawa, we should be wondering out loud why we pay the crown every time we get a speeding ticket. We need to be concerned about how much of these returns to city coffers and whether there is an opportunity to get more from the province. Why is the subject of Ottawa Police Service revenue off the table with taxpayers?   

Federal/Provincial Transfer payments

 In a few short days it will be time to party on July 1st. This causes an incredible budget pressure by way of the fact that Ottawa Police will be required for a "Canada" day function. While the Federal Government does what it can to help after the fact, the funding model is very inconsistent and OTAG believes it may actually be abused. It is our belief that the RCMP should be given proper leadership responsibilities and it should be their budget, not the cities, that pays for these events. If they require additional staffing they are welcome to contact the Police Association for OPS officers that are interested in overtime. This type of approach will level the playing field with other municipalities and should allow for better budgeting of events such as G8, G20 and visiting dignitaries, etc.

Business Case for OPP

Obviously a long shot, but our City council should always be privy to a cost comparison for Provincial Police Services. There are a number of municipalities that have been forced into this and there are likely very good reasons. The taxpayers of Ottawa deserve some transparency here in order to have faith in our police service.

Summary

There is no question that salaries and benefits are a huge obstacle for a city budget that is only allowed to grow within two percent a year. OTAG has been raising the white flag on this for several years but it has fallen on deaf ears. The elephant in the room has transformed into a mammoth in the closet and the city has little recourse now, too little too late. Arbitration does nothing to protect the citizens of Ottawa and the unelected arbitrator does not answer to the taxpayers here either.

But, I am not sure that our councilors are being very forthcoming with the measures they have taken to tackle the other hurdles that are glaring at all of us. It was only 6 months ago that they voted in favor of OC Transpo's 10 percent increase in overtime for 2013, with no debate whatsoever despite OTAG’s pleading at the time. How can we complain about Police salaries while giving our bus drivers a winning lottery ticket at the same time? If I was the arbitrator reading about the generous transit package from last year which cumulatively is as much as 12 percent hike over the 4 and a half year term, I would tell the police board to go fly a kite. I may even slip in the word Hypocrite somewhere in my ruling.

Today we learn about the Police services plan to Take on debt to pay for repairs to aging facilities, a rumored $123 million. As taxpayers we need to appreciate that this adds to the already bulging debt from their unfunded liabilities. Pensions, unused sick pay, dental and health insurance will all rear their ugly heads in no time flat.

Municipal politicians need to talk to their voters about the whole picture, not just the controversial stuff. Some of us actually understand all of the big words.

Kevin MacDonald, President
OTAG