From City of Moncton Facebook page.
Moncton City Council voted in favour of a review of policing services on Monday night, only weeks after agreeing to move forward with a new policing facility.
A motion by Coun. Daniel Bourgeois stated a review is needed due to the increase in RCMP salaries and benefits and the possibility the RCMP will no longer provide policing services to municipalities.
“It is further resolved that the City of Moncton hire an impartial expert on policing services in 2022 to update the 2010 policing services study,” the motion reads.
The motion previously included a section that would delay the construction of a new policing facility until the fate of the RCMP was determined.
On Monday night, city council decided to remove that section of the motion.
During the Oct. 18 public meeting, council voted 7-4 to move forward with a $57.2 million policing facility.
Coun. Bourgeois’ motion highlighted the uncertainty that surrounds the RCMP, citing calls for a review of policing services provided in New Brunswick.
According to a City Council Report, the study conducted in 2010 cost approximately $160,000. This does not account for City Administration time required to complete that project.
After accounting for inflation, it is estimated a new study could cost $200,000, as well as the time of City Administration and staff resources.
“This undertaking would have a major impact on resources moving forward and would impact the Finance, Legal, Community Safety, Corporate Services Areas,” states a City Council Report.
City Manager Marc Landry said the scope and dates of the study will be brought forward to council. It must also be determined whether the Town of Riverview and the City of Dieppe will be involved in the study.
