Greater Sudbury Police grapple with hikes in health benefits, disability premiums

The Greater Sudbury Police Service will look into lowering its request for a budget increase of 4.1 per cent next year, after mayor and council made remarks about the demand being too high.

Police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn says there are several reasons why the service wants a bigger budget.

She says increases to health benefits and disability premiumsare expected to be higher than inflation.

Nevertheless, the service is trying to save money, Dunn says.

"Year after year our service has actually trended with lower cost increases than the provincial average," she said.

"And we expect that to be no different this year."

Nevertheless, Dunn says WSIB premiums have significantly increased for emergency services responders, due to "presumptive legislation" on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

"The city's benefit consultant will be asked to review the rates to determine if some premiums can be reduced," she continued.

Police received a 1.9 per cent budget increase inits 2016 budget.

A final decision about the 2017 budget is expected later this fall.