Hamilton Police Service 2020 Budget: A $171.5 Million Allocation with Key Increases in Personnel and Capital Expenses

The Hamilton Police Service's 2020 budget of $171.5 million represents a 3.87 per cent increase over the previous year. The budget includes 17 new full-time positions, primarily to support a dedicated traffic unit, a sexual assault support program, and other specialized services. Policing costs account for approximately 18 per cent of Hamilton's municipal levy, with an average household assessed at $380,300 contributing $648 to policing out of a total of $3,689 in municipal taxes. The city's 2.9 per cent budget hike was approved in March, just as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, with potential year-end deficits estimated between $61 million and $86 million.

Key Takeaways:

• The Hamilton Police Service's 2020 budget totals $171.5 million, representing a 3.87 per cent increase over 2019.
• The budget includes 17 new full-time positions, with eight constables for the dedicated traffic unit, a sexual assault support program co-ordinator, two special constables for provincial offences court, and six police cadets.
• Policing costs represent approximately 18 per cent of Hamilton's municipal levy, with an average household assessed at $380,300 contributing $648 to policing.
• The city's 2.9 per cent budget hike was approved in March, despite an estimated year-end deficit of between $61 million and $86 million due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The police service's operating budget makes up the largest chunk of the budget, with a net cost of $168.3 million, primarily for employee-related expenses.
• The budget includes significant allocations for materials and supplies ($5.5 million), vehicle expenses ($2.1 million), and contractual services ($917,770).
• A $478,494 surplus from 2019 is being directed towards various projects, including the independent 2019 Pride review and vehicle upgrades.

Statistics:

• $171.5 million: Total 2020 police budget
• 3.87 per cent: Increase over 2019 police budget
• 18 per cent: Policing costs as a proportion of Hamilton's municipal levy
• $648: Average household contribution to policing
• $3,689: Total municipal taxes for an average household
• $61 million - $86 million: Estimated year-end deficit due to COVID-19 pandemic
• $724,000: Anticipated lost revenue and expenses associated with COVID-19
• $168.3 million: Net operating budget
• $5.5 million: Allocated for materials and supplies
• $2.1 million: Allocated for vehicle expenses
• $917,770: Allocated for contractual services

Sources:

• The Spectator, "Hamilton Police Service's 2020 budget totals $171,477,540 and represents a 3.87 per cent increase over 2019"
• Public sector salary disclosure, 2019
• Hamilton Police Service budget documents, 2020