Sudbury police submit $51 million budget for 2014

Policing in Sudbury is going to cost about 51 and a half million dollars next year, aboutone and a half million more than was budgeted in 2013.

The police force has said the increase is partially due to the hiring of 4 new full-time office workers.

Sudbury Mayor Marianne Matichukcriticized the budget, arguing that the workforce for other city departments has been reduced in the last few years.

"I just think that's not really acceptable," said Matichuk. "I understand there are contractual things, but if the rest of the city is looking at [reductions]."

Police Chief Frank Elsnerarguedthe police force is saving money by holding off on the hiring of two additional officers.

Councillor worried about crime rate

City councillor Joscelyne Landry-Altmannexpressed concern during the meeting that reductions to police staff would risk public safety.

Landry-Altmann asked Elsner if he believed the crime rate would rise with a reduction in police staff. Chief Elsner did not answer the question directly, but warned that cuts would have an impact.

90 per cent of the Sudbury police budget goes towardssalaries and benefits for employees.