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Less overtime by Aylmer police led to police budget savings

Feb. 17, 2021 – Aylmer Police Service saw a reduction from planned spending in 2020, for a year-end total of $2,212,180.59, about $227,000 less than what was budgeted.

In a virtual Feb. 9 Aylmer Police Services Board (PSB) meeting, PSB member Jack Cockuyt asked Police Chief Horvat where nearly 10 per cent in savings came from.

“I’d like to say good management,” responded Chief Horvat with a laugh. He went on to explain that much of the PSB expenditures consists of salaries, wages and benefits for employees.

“Overtime reduction is significant when you look at the previous years prior to 2018,” explained Chief Horvat.

“Also we do have some (cost) recoveries for the officer that’s seconded to Ontario Police College. That’s a full recovery, which is a savings.”

Salaries and wages for full time officers and staff in 2020 amounted to $1,464,691.75, which was $203,936.25 less than the budgeted amount.

Part-time officers and staff cost about $111,570.46 for the year, which was $8,275.54 below the budgeted amount.

Mr. Cockuyt said the reduction in spending was “great,” and said it was an indication of good management. Chief Horvat said he was joking about that comment.

“But it’s true, that was always a bit of a sticking point. The overtime in past instances were quite high,” noted PSB chair Sheri Andrews. “With good management, the chief has done a great job with getting that contained.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 17, 2021.