Municipalities have limited control over police, health unit budgets

Earlier this year, the Greater Sudbury police services board approved a 12.6 increase in the police budget, which totals about $94 million for 2026.

A report headed to Greater Sudbury’s finance committee meeting later today outlines the limits the city has when it comes to controlling the budgets of outside boards.

Outside boards – or ‘service partners’ – include groups such as Greater Sudbury Police, Public Health Sudbury & Districts, the library and conservation authority.

Combined, the groups make up about 28 per cent of the total city tax levy. Police make up the largest portion, about 22.1 per cent.

Earlier this year, the city’s police board approved a 12.6 increase in the police budget, which totals about $94 million for 2026.

The increase doesn’t set aside any money for a new headquarters and includes pulling $720,000 from reserves to reduce the size of the increase.

About 99 per cent of the budget pays salaries and benefits.

The report from chief financial officer Margaret Karpenko said if the city refused to approve the police budget hike, the matter would go to a conciliator.

“Where the city does not accept this budget, the city and the board may jointly apply to appoint a conciliation officer to attempt to resolve the matter or the board may give the city written notice referring the matter to arbitration,” the report said.

“The result of the conciliation or the arbitrator’s decision is final.”

In the case of the health unit, the city shares the costs of the budget with the province. Public Health makes up about 2.5 per cent of the municipal tax levy and is required to provide a number of mandatory health services, including ensuring safe drinking water and controlling infectious diseases.

Public Health has to provide notice to the city of its estimated expenses, but the city cannot amend the health unit’s budget.

“There is no provision … for the member municipalities to appeal or amend the budget presented by PHSD,” the report said.

“In fact, failure by any municipality to pay its proportionate share is a prosecutable contravention of the act.”

The city is also obligated to pay its share of any budget overages.

Public feedback

The library – which takes up 2.7 per cent of city taxes – can have its budget changed by council.

Read the full report here.

Also at today’s meeting, councillors will get a report on public feedback. In total, 412 residents shared their views, a drop from 555 responses received last year. But the feedback link was only active for two weeks this year, compared to a month during the last budget process.

People who took part said roads and winter maintenance were their top budget priorities (90 per cent or more), followed by emergency services (84 per cent), water and sewer services (81 per cent) and garbage and recycling (78 per cent).

Cost of living was their No. 1 concern, followed by infrastructure/transportation and property taxes.

Read the full report here.