Smiths Falls Police Service propose 21% budget increase for 2025

The Smiths Falls Police Service proposed a 21% budget increase in 2025 to the board this month.

There’s a host of reasons behind that number, from hiring more staff, to increased salaries following the recent agreement between the Smiths Falls Police Board and Smiths Falls Police Association, and falling in line with the new Police Servicing Act, it’s a complex topic.

Police Chief Jodi Empey says this is the state of policing.

Board Chair Shawn Pankow weighed in on the proposed $6,645,525 figure, which Empey said she arrived at ” (After) cutting everything I could possibly cut back on.”

Board Member Chris McGuire said he’s interested in hearing the public’s thoughts on this matter.

Empey said the SFPS have had a relatively consistent budget over the past several years, but with a population increase and the costs that follow that, the time has caught up.

The 2024 Smiths Falls Police budget was approved for $5,594,442, which represented a 5% increase from 2023.

Empey noted they’ve spent an excessive amount of money this year paying officers overtime because they’re severely understaffed.

The chief says they have about ten members on the road, with six officers off on short or long-term leave.

They’ve recently recruited two additional constables who will begin in 2025 and are actively recruiting more. They’re losing one member in February to another police department.

The draft budget will move to a town council meeting for further discussion.

You can watch Empey’s presentation and get a fuller understanding around the proposed budget below, starting at 2:08:38.

Story by Grant Deme