DAN CEARNS, The Standard
UXBRIDGE: Uxbridge officials are expecting some tough decisions ahead for the Region of Durham's 2025 budget.
At a meeting on Monday, December 9th, Regional Councillor Bruce Garrod and Mayor Dave Barton spoke about the budget.
"My job here is to get as much of that money we give [to the Region] back to the community," Councillor Garrod said.
The current draft plan includes a 9.25 percent increase for the Durham Regional Police Services.
"They are asking for a significant increase that's gonna impact the percentage which goes to the Region," Councillor Garrod stated. "They make really good cases [for this increase]."
He noted, compared to Peel Region and Toronto, the ratio of police officers to community members is "out of whack."
"They really do need to staff up," he said, adding "significant crimes" are happening in the Region and there are challenges the police services are facing.
Mayor Barton said he got to witness the police dealing with "three separate gun issues" during a scheduled ride-along he had.
Councillor Garrod warned if the police service doesn't continue to evolve, then organized crime could move into Durham Region.
"It's going to be a tough budget," Mayor Barton stated.
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