Council Screenshot
The numbers are in and now Dryden Council has a decision to make on the future of policing in the community.
Sergeant Katherine Ross and Staff Sergeant and Dryden Detachment Commander Ed Chwastyk presented the OPP costing proposal Monday night.
Ross reported the total estimated cost for service in year one would come in at $5,916,188.
-Total Uniform Salaries and Benefits: $3,929,131
-Total Detachment Civilian Salaries and Benefits: $508,476
-Support Staff Salaries and Benefits: $458,326
-Other Direct Operating Expenses: $388,805
-Uniform and Equipment (Year One Adjustment): -$55,325
Sub-total Estimated Annual Policing Costs: $52,05,413
Initial Start-Up Costs (uniforms, vehicles, equipment): $710,775
Total Estimated Cost (Including Start-Up costs): $5,916,188
Ross notes, “For the two uniformed officers, subject to rank-level determination, $486,000, therefore the initial estimated cost including the two officers, rank-level determination, is $6.4 million.
The two officers Ross is referring to is the current DPS Chief and Inspector if they are hired by the OPP.
The municipality would also be required to upgrade the existing OPP building at a cost of $325,000 to $400,000.
Under provincial law, the current Dryden Police Services detachment is not suitable as it’s located to close to the CP Rail tracks, which carry hazardous materials.
Additional space at the Dryden Courthouse is also being considered.
The last OPP proposal in late 2018 came in at roughly $5 million.
The 2021 budget for the Dryden Police Service, excluding School Crossing and Safety Guards is $3,939,346.
It should also be noted the current budget does not include any negotiated/arbitrated awards impacting 2021 as the Police Collective Agreements are expired.
OPP in the last costing proposal noted the City would see savings after the first couple of years.
When it comes to staffing Ross says, “The OPP requires 7 additional constables over and above the Dryden Police Service compliment to address workload. Therefore, the total would become 22 constables.”
The OPP’s proposed amalgamation process, providing officers with the Dryden Police Service were to apply and receive positions, would eliminate the Chief of Police and Inspector positions and lay-off two data entry staff, but would hire an additional clerk, and a court administration worker.
Total Uniform
-Chief: 0
-Inspector: 1
-Staff Sergeant: 1
-Sergeant: 7
-Constables: 49
-Subject to Review: 2 *Chief and Inspector position are subject to review for Sergeant position until rank level determination process is completed. If they do not apply or are not offered a position, these positions will be removed.
Total: 60
Civilian
-Detachment Administrator/Clerk: 4
-Data entry: 0
-Security: 2
-Court Administration: 1
-Caretaker: 2.6
Total: 9.6
Katherine Ross and Ed Chwastyk went on to say the district would be split into 3 zones:
-Dryden
-West of Highway 603
-East of Highway 603
Each zone would have 8 constables with 24 hour a day coverage.
Three to four officers and a Staff Sergeant would be dedicated to the City of Dryden with other officers assigned to Machin, Ignace and other nearby communities.
Chwastyk notes their staffing model would be very flexible.
Ross says selecting the OPP provides several benefits including an Integrated Service Delivery model that includes a larger number of officers to draw on for major occurrences and emergencies and reduced overtime and a more coordinated approach to policing.
Chwastyk adds there will a heavy focus on community policing with a promise to continue existing Dryden Police Service and OPP programs as well as introduce new ones.
He notes they will hire a full-time Community Services Officer and will be very visible in area schools with educational campaigns.
Chwastyk says officers will also be required to attend community events and be fully visible in the community.
Both officers add the OPP is committed to ongoing training, Indigenous relations and being accountable and transparent.
They are promising a smooth transition if selected.
Not matter what happens Chwastyk stresses, “I must emphasize the outstanding working relationship currently enjoyed between the OPP and Dryden Police Service. We certainly appreciate the professional and personal relationships with all members of the Dryden Police Service that have developed over the years. Regardless of the outcome of this process, I know that the OPP and DPS will continue to maintain a strong and positive relationship.”
Chwastyk is a former Armed Forces member and a 10-year veteran of the Dryden OPP.
This is the first step in the OPP Costing Proposal.
City of Dryden Chief Administrative Officer Roger Nesbitt says the next step is a separate presentation from their consultant MMP.
He expects that report on June 7.
Nesbitt says, “At that point that will kick-off the public consultation period. The consultation period will run from June 8 through to July 7.”
He says that will consist of a public survey and a virtual meeting, tentatively scheduled for June 24.
The city has six months to decide and Nesbitt says, “There will be a staff report presented to Council on July 12, proposed date.”
If accepted, Dryden would enter a three or more-year transitional contract with the OPP.
Officials say 327 of Ontario’s 444 municipalities operate on a cost-recovery basis.
Councillors voted down the OPP’s original offer 6-1 in May of 2019.
The OPP presentation to Council and additional information can be found in its entirety can be found at OPP Costing Proposal Link
