LAURIE WEIR
After a four-hour committee of the whole meeting on Monday, Dec. 13, that examined the 2025 Smiths Falls budget, councillors want to take a closer look at the largest line item — a proposed 21 per cent increase to the Smiths Falls Police Service budget.
The proposed municipal tax levy stands at 9.6 per cent. Council members discussed options to tighten the budget, including potentially using a tax rate stabilization reserve to defer costs. However, CAO Malcolm Morris noted this would only push the issue down the road, not resolve it in the long term.
Some council members suggested a phased approach to reduce the impact of the police budget.
Council also considered requesting an independent review or audit of the police budget, as permitted under the Police Services Act. This process could ensure taxpayers are getting value for money and that service levels remain adequate.
Members expressed interest in gathering more information before making a final decision on the budget.
Coun. Dawn Quinn noted that “people need to know that we’ve done our due diligence to get as much information as possible to come up with the right figures.”
Mayor Shawn Pankow, who chairs the Police Services Board, reserved comment until further discussions with the board – possibly as early as this week, he said. Their next scheduled meeting is Jan. 14.