Perth Courthouse (File photo)
At Perth’s recent council meeting, councillors got a budget warning from Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson on increased court policing costs. Ed reported on the discussions at the last Lanark County OPP detachment board meeting where he is the chair.
Ed stated that the Detachment commander indicated that an additional two special constables and one regular constable would need to be hired to cover court duties. He added that in addition to a heavier court case load, certain types of cases needed larger police attendance to ensure public and staff safety. The costs of this falls on only one municipality.
No figures were provided but this is expected to be a major topic for budget discussions later this fall.
Story by Brian Turner
