Sunday, February 16th, 2025

Clearview Township will benefit from a new method of billing for policing costs.

In 2015, the township’s bill will decrease by $150,272.

Clearview treasurer Edward Henley said the change is because of a new methodology for calculating costs.

Based on more of a user-pay model of billing, the cost is $2,225,668, down from $2,375,940, as stated in the 2014 OPP budget.

The cost is based on the number of properties, calls for service and base service costs and salaries.

Clearview’s calls for service are lower than the provincial average.

Any adjustments at the end of the year will be added to the next year’s bill, reported Henley to council on Nov. 10.

“For example, the 2015 billing statement is for 2015. The reconciliation occurs in spring 2016, which is after the 2016 billing statement has already been provided to municipalities. So, any 2015 adjustments will appear on the 2017 billing statement. This provides municipalities with an assured current year cost,” reported Henley.

In the past, Clearview received a budget that was reconciled to the actual numbers the following year.

The new billing method is a result of a recommendation from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s OPP Billing Steering Committee in response to growing concerns over the costs of policing.

The Township of Clearview is policed by Huronia West OPP, a shared service with Wasaga Beach and Springwater Township.

A portion of the savings is being allocated to community halls reserve fund to pay for accessibility upgrades.

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