Council hears police budget case Monday

Photo by Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM LJI

By Cecilia Nasmith

The controversial matter of the 2026 Cobourg Police Service budget will be the subject of a special council meeting Monday, Dec. 1, at 1 p.m.

A Strong Mayor Powers directive set a limit of 4% on any budget increase for 2026 over 2025. Meanwhile, the Cobourg Police Services Board has approved a draft budget with a 20.5% increase.

Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf has on several occasions explained why there's no discretionary flexibility in this budget, due to several reasons – factors beyond their control (such as court costs), the need for Cobourg citizens to feel safe and protected in challenging times (that include issues surrounding homelessness, as well as addiction and mental-health matters) and the new legislation known as the Community Safety and Policing Act among them.

At the Dec. 1 meeting, they will make the case in front of council – and, more importantly, Mayor Lucas Cleveland, since this is the first year that Strong Mayor Powers legislation gives him the authority to set the budget.

The agenda will be posted on the town website, and the meeting will be held using a hybrid model – meaning council and staff members have the choice to participate in person or virtually.

As well, members of the public can attend the meeting in person in council chambers (located on the third floor east at Victoria Hall, 55 King St. W.) or through livestream at www.cobourg.ca/escribe

If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback, email clerk@cobourg.ca