Statement from Cobourg Police Chief Regarding 2026 Operational Budget Estimates

For 2026, the Board has approved an operational budget estimate reflecting a 20.5% increase ($1.6M), as part of a multi-year investment plan initiated in 2023 to meet legislative obligations under the new Community Safety and Policing Act. This investment supports the standard of policing our community expects. Importantly, this estimate ensures staff have the tools, resources, capacity and support needed to perform their duties safely and effectively.

One of the key cost drivers for the 2026 estimate is the impact of the Board’s 2024 decision to reduce the 2025 budget increase by drawing additional funds from net Business Centre revenue to lessen the tax levy burden. This over-reliance on Business Centre funds in 2025 means the 2026 operational budget must now compensate to accurately reflect the true cost of police operations in Cobourg. Had the 2025 budget not relied on one-time funding, this year’s increase would have been approximately 10%, driven by prior decisions, such as contractual obligations, staggered hiring, and natural cost increases in areas like insurance and fuel. I stand behind the position that there is nothing discretionary in this core-based budget.

At the Board meeting on Tuesday, the Board passed a motion to present the estimate, as is, to Cobourg Council.

I appreciate the public’s engagement in the budget process and welcome the opportunity to clarify items raised during discussions between the Board and the community, ensuring everyone has accurate and complete information.

While some staffing shifts will occur due to contractual obligations, there are no new hires in 2026.

Wellness Initiatives

Wellness programming is not only a contractual obligation through our partnership with the Police Associations, it is essential. Policing is a high-risk profession, and every call for service can leave a lasting impact. These initiatives support both uniform and civilian members, helping prevent or manage disability claims and facilitating reintegration following physical or psychological injury. Investing in wellness is a proactive approach that reduces long-term costs and strengthens service delivery.

V13 Policetech Accelerator

The V13 Policetech Accelerator has proven to be a valuable asset. In 2024 alone, it helped secure over $1 million in provincial grant funding, under the Community and Safety and Policing (CSP) list of priorities, enabling the expansion of critical programs like Street Crime and and M-HEART, to name a few.  These projects enhance community safety and modernize our approach to policing. The Accelerator also supports youth engagement and technological innovation in community safety, key pillars for our service. These are key indicators within our Strategic Business Plan.

Software Maintenance & IT

Technology is foundational to modern policing. The increase in this budget category reflects our expanded technology portfolio, which now includes automated license plate readers, body-worn cameras, and cloud-based records management systems. These platforms require robust cybersecurity, ongoing support, and regular updates to remain effective and secure.

While we acknowledge the proposed increase from $279K in 2025 to $344K in 2026, any significant reduction in this area would risk compromising essential services. These technologies are not optional, they are critical tools that support officer safety, enhance investigative capabilities, and ensure compliance with modern policing standards.

Court Administration

Court administration is a critical function, and as work demands have evolved, with shortened timelines for disclosure and paperwork, court staff are doing more to ensure timely and successful prosecutions. The Police Service, like all Services in Ontario, are expected to work within timelines set by other Ministries. This is not new or surprising.

To close, our budget estimates are developed with transparency, accountability, and community safety at the forefront. We are committed to delivering effective policing while being mindful stewards of public funds. The increases seen in Cobourg are not unique, police budgets across Ontario, both municipal and provincial, are rising in response to evolving community needs and mandatory regulatory changes. Locally, we are fortunate that the total cost of policing is offset by a combination of provincial grants, tax levy funding, and Business Centre revenue. Public safety is essential, and this budget is a reflection of just that.