Midwestern

South Bruce Peninsula considers hiring Saugeen Shores Police Service

South Bruce Peninsula will be considering a costing proposal from Saugeen Shores Police Service to take over policing the town.

The proposal includes an operating budget of $2.3 million for the first year and again for the second year with a one-time capital expenditure of just under $422,000.

"It's very close to the current costing that we experience now," said Mayor Janice Jackson. "So the report has gone to our senior staff and they have put together a report for council that will be tabled on Tuesday."

Several years ago, Jackson said they asked Saugeen Shores Police Service for a costing proposal to provide service to the town but at that time Saugeen Shores police were not able to do it.

"But they have a new police chief now who is very familiar with communities joining forces," said Jackson. "So he was quite comfortable putting a pitch together."

Jackson said it was a coincidence that the costing proposal by Saugeen Shores Police was able to be provided at the same time the OPP contract with South Bruce Peninsula is being renewed.

At this time there are no plans to hold public meetings on the proposal. Jackson said "if there is appetite by council" to pursue the proposal then they would look at gauging public opinion.

The proposal comes before council next Tuesday, January 21 at 1 p.m.

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