London’s Corporate Services Committee has rejected a request from the Police Services Board to cover a $268,000 deficit from 2013.
The decision on Tuesday came after much talk in the community about the request and the ripping, literally, Mayor Joe Fontana did with the request.
After tearing up the formal letter from the board last week, Fontana said he was sorry on Tuesday.
“Let me formally apologize to the London Police Services Board,” he said at the meeting.
He will also send a letter of apology.
London police have $2.1 million left in a reserve savings account that could be used to cover the deficit, but the city treasurer recommended the committee bring the request forward to council.
The committee wasn’t convinced this was the right path to take.
The reserve fund is usually used for unanticipated investigative costs or emergencies and may be used to cover additional costs during upcoming contract negotiations with the police union.
“I don't remember any boards or commissions coming back and asking to fill a gap,” Coun. Harold Usher said.
“I too, can't for the principle of it, support this request at this particular point in time,” Fontana said, adding the city is not a bank.
“They have tools in their tool box to deal with their $270,000.”
The committee’s vote was 4-1 to take no further action on the request.
Police Chief Brad Duncan accepted the committee’s decision, but warned of less financial flexibility.
“There are implications for us going forward because the unfunded liability is a reserve account set aside for operational emergencies,” he said.
When asked if the chief’s raise had anything to do with the committee’s decision, Fontana said it didn’t.
