Post by : Meena Ariff

The Surrey Police Board has put forward a proposal for a $91 million budget increase, likely resulting in an 18 per cent rise in property taxes for residents. Mayor Brenda Locke has called the suggestion “unacceptable.”

“That’s simply not feasible. It cannot take place,” Locke asserted, referencing the city's previous increase in policing expenditures last year. She pointed out that this proposed bump translates to a staggering 38 per cent rise over the 2025 budget, surpassing the total annual budget allocated for Surrey Fire and Rescue Services.

“All tiers of government understand the financial strains on residents, and we cannot present a budget that inflates policing costs by 18 per cent,” Locke added.

The city has analyzed the preliminary budget drafted by the Surrey Police Board and urged them to reassess their figures. Locke confirmed that the proposed increase is unrelated to the province-funded extortion task force.

Surrey councillor and mayoral hopeful Linda Annis recognized that the budget remains in draft form, affirming that the requested funding is still within the $250 million limit sanctioned by the province.

Annis acknowledged the political implications of transitioning to a municipal police force but expressed that further funding should not burden taxpayers. “Once the numbers are scrutinized, we can reach a conclusive decision regarding the budget,” she emphasized.

#Canada News #World News