Deputy Mayor shocked as Port Hope Police ask for an additional $1 million for 2026 budget

Northumberland 89.7 FM file photo.

Port Hope Police are asking Council for an additional $1 million for the 2026 budget.

Police Services Board Chair George Kallonakis told the Committee of the Whole Tuesday night that $8.1 million will be needed for next year citing that policing is becoming more expensive.

Approximately $833,000 will go towards salaries and benefits. Kallonakis said contributing factors to the salary increase includes: funding a new collective bargaining agreement, under estimating salaries for last year and wages going forward in 2026.

“We have a little over $800,000 that is salary-driven. That comes from the collective agreement that was pre-determined. That number might seem a little bit higher because in 2025 it was under budgeted for the salary for 2025. So, that is catching up. And that also applies for 2026,” Kallonakis explained.

The 29 officers responded to nearly 7350 calls last year, up 350 from 2024. Kallonakis stated that Port Hope is ranked Ontario’s second safest municipality.

The Ontario Provincial Police contract will see an increase of $107,000, with councillors questioning that expenditure and whether Port Hope Police can absorb that service. Currently officers cannot handle that workload.

Within the capital budget, the police expect to purchase a new cruiser, install in-car cameras and revamp the website.

Deputy Mayor Vicki Mink said the substantial increase to the proposed budget is shocking.

“I’m sort of shocked by this and I think this will echo throughout the community. I don’t think we have any preparation whatsoever for communicating this. I’m feeling very vulnerable that we’re bringing such a significant request forward like this at this time,” said Mink.

The Committee asked the Police Board to revise its budget forecast to find additional savings and report back on November 4 with their proposed findings.