Municipalities across Eastern Ontario are bracing for some tough decisions as they face soaring costs associated with their policing bills from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The unexpected hikes are leading many to contemplate significant increases in property taxes, creating what local officials described as "sticker shock" among residents.
One clear example is the township of Russell, where Mayor Mike Tarnowski reported an astonishing 23% rise in OPP charges for the coming year. Tarnowski, who has served on the Russell council since 2018, noted, "We've never experienced anything like it, or anything close to it. Certainly not in my time." This sentiment reflects the broader unease felt by many municipalities grappling with similar increases.
Tax hikes seem to be the order of the day for many councils. The proposed tax increase for Russell is just shy of 9%, with almost 3% earmarked directly to cover the increased OPP costs. Meanwhile, Hawkesbury is also feeling the pressure, facing nearly 20% more for its policing bills next year.
Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Lefebvre remarked on the financial strain, sharing how their original plan foresaw nearly 11% increase but is now aiming for a more feasible 9.5%. Citing the need to tighten budgets, Lefebvre recently introduced a resolution requesting the OPP to freeze its charges at 2024 rates. When pressed for potential solutions, he added, "If they can’t, I’d love to see the province step up and help us by increasing the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund to help municipalities with their cash flow issues."
At the heart of this predicament, according to critics, is the new contract negotiated over the summer between the province and the union representing provincial police officers. This agreement has resulted in OPP rates increasing so significantly, municipalities who rely on the OPP are struggling with unexpected added pressures.
Notably, the billing model for OPP policing was altered back in 2015. This model set forth includes both fixed base costs per property and variable charges related to the number of police calls and other circumstances. With salaries on the rise, due to OPP officers becoming the highest-paid police officers within the province, municipalities are staring down large increases projected for 2025.
Robin Jones, who serves both as president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and as mayor of Westport—where the OPP bill is climbing by 27%—expressed frustration with the sudden jumps. She argued, "Budgeting for municipalities is tough. We are trying to manage far too many other things—such as homelessness and social housing—on property taxes." Her comments highlight the broader challenges municipalities are facing as they balance multiple financial demands without significant additional support.
The provincial government seems somewhat aware of the mounting difficulties experienced by municipalities. A spokesperson from the office of Ontario’s solicitor general stated, "We will work with these municipalities to make sure they are not negatively impacted financially." While this provides some reassurance, the specifics of how this cooperation will manifest remain uncertain.
Jones and others voice cautious optimism, expressing hope the province will recognize the significant strain these increases place on taxpayers. “I’m really optimistic the government will hear what this increase means and develop some sort of plan to address the challenges,” she said. The exact resolution of this budgetary crisis is still playing out, but the ramifications of these decisions will undoubtedly resonate throughout communities as councils grapple with these pressing issues.
Councils throughout Eastern Ontario—soon to be meeting for budget deliberations—may find themselves faced with some tough conversations around how best to approach the necessary tax increases to accommodate these unexpected bills. Whether residents will be willing to shoulder the burden of these hikes remains to be seen. After all, local services are expected to sustain communities; the challenge is ensuring they can do so without descendants financially jeopardizing their residents.
Municipalities like Hawkesbury aim to mitigate the pressure on taxpayers, seeking to balance the significant demands placed by rising policing costs against the financial realities faced by their constituents. The delicate dance of budgeting looms large as municipalities navigate these new financial waters. All parties have to weigh the growing expenses against the need for community safety, all under the pondering shadow of public finance and transparency.
For now, the future remains uncertain as towns like Russell and Hawkesbury prepare for this fiscal challenge. The coping mechanisms will involve engaging the citizens and highlighting the importance of funding public safety without which the peace of mind offered by police services cannot be assured.
