Having the Windsor Police Service take over policing in Amherstburg is a step closer to reality after town council voted 3-2 in favour of the plan.
The town says the move will improve police service, and initially save Amherstburg $567,000 a year.
The plan was originally for a five-year deal, but a provision was added to address cost parity. It is now a 20-year deal, with cost parity being guaranteed beginning in year six. The plan is subject to renewal every five years.
Council chambers was standing-room-only with residents. Another 40 people listened to the proceedings in the hallway outside council chambers.
One by one, each councillor discussed their take on the plan, and most of them disclosed how they would vote during their remarks.
Councillors Rick Fryer and Leo Meloche voted in favour of the plan, while Jason Lavigne and Joan Courtney voted against it. When Mayor Aldo DiCarlo cast the deciding vote in favour, there were boos, cries of "Shame!". Some left chambers angry.
Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo at council meeting, on February 26, 2018. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.
Trudy Dempsey said there's no question in her mind that those on council had their minds made up even during the public consultation period.
"I really don't think they took everything into consideration," said Dempsey. "All the meetings where people came and said no, and they already decided this long before tonight. And I'm really, really upset."
Jann Ozyer isn't convinced that the plan will help improve police service in Amherstburg.
"I don't see the benefit," she said. "The only benefit is that it's about money. It's not about making it better. Where is it better?"
Deputy Mayor Bart DiPasquale, who was absent, and Councillor Diane Pouget recused themselves from voting due to conflicts.
The plan involves absorbing Amherstburg officers into the Windsor Police Service. The town says no officers will lose their jobs.
DiCarlo told reporters he was aware of the concerns of many officers.
"I've spoken to a variety of officers on an individual basis, and I think we addressed all of their concerns," said DiCarlo. "Hopefully, we can move on."
Meloche said he went back and forth trying to reach a decision; balancing a fine line between what he has heard residents tell him, and the town's future welfare. He said he voted yes because he saw long-term benefits for the town.
"It brought me to the conclusion that for the long-term interest of Amherstburg, this was really a good deal," said Meloche. "It secures our costs for 20 years and that, for the people, is important."
The final step in the process is to take the proposal before the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, which has the final say on the plan.
DiCarlo is confident that if everything goes well, there is no reason why the Windsor patrols cannot begin patrolling in Amherstburg on January 1, 2019.
"We will be subject to their timelines," said DiCarlo.