The City of Surrey has approved a $284.5 million budget for the Surrey Police Service (SPS), marking a $45 million increase from the previous year’s budget.
Initially, there was disagreement between the city and the Surrey Police Board (SPB), as the SPB had requested a $91 million increase in the budget last November.
Expressing concerns, the Surrey Police Union (SPU) cautioned that the reduced budget could result in fewer police officers on the streets, rather than an increase.
SPU President Ryan Buhrig emphasized the importance of adequate resources to meet the demands for enhanced policing services, citing a rise in extortion threats in the Fraser Valley, particularly impacting Surrey.
Mayor Branda Locke had opposed the original proposal, deeming it excessively high and warning of a potential 18 percent property tax increase for residents.
After resolving the budget dispute, both the SPB and the city adopted a more collaborative approach.
SPB chair Harley Chappell expressed satisfaction with reaching a consensus on the police budget, ensuring that SPS has the necessary resources to serve the community effectively.
Mayor Locke commended the negotiators for finding a balance between public safety and keeping taxes low, expressing contentment with the final budget agreement.
The newly approved budget reflects a $100 million increase from the previous year, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing policing services in Surrey.