Hamilton police budget rejected again

Hamilton City Council has once again rejected the Hamilton police budget.

Now a provincial arbitrator might have to rule on it. The Police Services Board asked for an increase of 3.71%, even though city council asked for a budget freeze. However, council is willing to approve an increase of 3.52%. The difference now is about $260,000 in a budget of more than $140-million. The Police Services Board will once again review the budget to consider changing it to council’s demand. If the board doesn’t change it, the matter goes to the Ontario Civilian Police Commission for binding arbitration.