Policing costs for Wellington County are expected to come in under budget for 2014.
A third quarter reconciliation report presented at the Jan. 29 county council meeting projects savings of between $200,000 and $300,000 on OPP costs compared to budget figures.
The county budgeted $17,796,000 for OPP contract costs last year. With third quarter figures in at the end of September, policing costs were at 72.6 per cent of the OPP contract estimate and at 74.5% of the county’s budget for policing.
“As expected, uniform salaries and benefits are running below the estimate, which is based on all constables being at the first class constable rate,” states the report, prepared by treasurer Ken DeHart.
“Savings are shown in uniform salaries as two civilian positions and a new staff sergeant in the 2014 contract were not filled until July and September respectively.
“Additional savings have been experienced under overtime as off icer distribution has been closely managed throughout the year to limit the need for additional hours worked.”
The report notes the county is entitled to a credit of $86,201, or about $28,733 per month, for July through September, which will be recognized on the next payment.
“Based on the three reconciliation payments received to date it is anticipated that yearend savings … will range between $200,000 and $300,000,” the report concluded.
