Personnel costs and inflation are the big factors behind a 10.78 per cent increase in the city police budget.
The North Bay Police Services Board approved the nearly $25 million fiscal plan on March 21.
Officials say the increase is largely driven by costs associated with implementing the 2023 collective agreement along with the hiring of new sworn and civilian members.
Along with nine new officers last year, five more are being hired this year. Civilian members are also being hired to work with the digital evidence management system, police body-worn camera program, and Next Generation 911 initiative.
Police say inflation was also a factor, with fuel costs up 70 percent, software costs up over 50 per cent and a 96 per cent increase in the cost of natural gas.
According to police, personnel costs including salary, benefits, and overtime, account for over 93 per cent of the budget.
