Council approves 8.7% tax hike despite concerns over police budget
London city council approved its four-year budget Thursday, but not without attempts from various councillors to reduce the controversial police budget request.
One motion on the issue was shot down before it was even heard.
Coun. Anna Hopkins revisited a recommendation from a previous budget committee to reduce the police budget by 5 per cent.
Before that motion was voted on, Coun. Corinne Rahman introduced an amendment for a larger reduction in vehicle and equipment investments.
“I did get a lot of pushback,” said Hopkins. “I think, because it related to reducing that tax levy [for] overall business cases.”
“We know that this business case – P29 – was one business case that pointed to additional sources of funding at the federal level that could be accessed by police,” said Rahman.
Coun. Susan Stephenson said, “This is not a want-list or a wish-list. This is what the board has brought forward saying is required. And this need to chip away at it (funding), is like a jealousy kind of thing. Other boards had to do it, we should do it.”
After a lengthy debate, the motions were narrowly shot down 8-7.
“I thought if, perhaps, council had a change of heart, it would help to offset and create opportunity to fund some of those other priorities,” said Rahman.
The police budget includes the hiring of new officers, body-worn cameras, a training facility, and a new light-armoured vehicle.
Mayor Josh Morgan said the focus on the robust public safety portion of the budget is overshadowing other significant investments.
“This budget is also about a historic investment in London transit. It’s a significant increase in our investment that was already in last year’s multi-year budget on housing. It’s also new money for organizations like the library and the arts,” said Morgan.
There were 18 changes to the budget through the amendment process. The mayor said he will be making a formal announcement tomorrow, essentially putting the budget into effect.
London’s 2024 property tax hike is officially 8.7 per cent, or about $286 for the average homeowner. The “average” house was assessed at $252,000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
U.S. Supreme Court in Trump ruling declares ex-presidents have immunity for official acts
A divided U.S. Supreme Court threw out a judicial decision rejecting Donald Trump's bid to shield himself from federal criminal charges involving his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in a major ruling on Monday involving the scope of presidential immunity from prosecution.
On July 1, 1916, a generation of Newfoundlanders died in one brief battle
Millions are celebrating Canada’s 157th birthday this year -- as they do every year -- with fireworks, food and family. In Newfoundland, it is a day of mourning for one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War.
You might live to be 100 years old. But will you be able to afford it?
Retirement has historically lasted about two decades, but for some Canadians it is now extending to twice that amount of time as more live well into their 90s and beyond. That's making some rethink their investments, savings, expenses and when to retire.
Scientists wary of bird flu pandemic 'unfolding in slow motion'
Scientists tracking the spread of bird flu are increasingly concerned that gaps in surveillance may keep them several steps behind a new pandemic, according to Reuters interviews with more than a dozen leading disease experts.
Eight 'tow truck-related' shootings in Toronto, no injuries reported: police
Toronto police are looking for a stolen vehicle in connection with at least eight separate shootings in the city over the weekend.
In his own words: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's message on Canada Day
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has released a video message to Canadians on Canada Day. Here's what he had to say, in his own words.
Calgary crews working to stabilize water system in final step toward service restoration
Crews are working to stabilize Calgary’s water system as the final step in restoring the city’s water service following a major feeder line break.
Possible indecent gesture at Euro 2024 game under investigation
England star Jude Bellingham is being investigated by UEFA over a potentially offensive gesture made during a European Championship win against Slovakia.
Deal reached in WestJet mechanics' strike, but travel disruptions still expected
WestJet has reached a deal with its mechanics to end a strike that had disrupted the travel plans of tens of thousands of travellers over the Canada Day long weekend.