Sault police report $2.9M budget hole for 2024

Police in Sault Ste. Marie said Wednesday that the force ran a $2.9 million budget deficit last year an are facing another $1.9 million shortfall in 2025.

A year-end review revealed the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service ran a $2.9 million deficit last year, officials revealed Wednesday.

And the 2025 budget is already headed for a $1.9 million shortfall.

The main reason for the shortfall is “increased expenditures in salaries and benefits,” a news release from police said. One of the main reasons is that several officers expected to retire decided to keep working.

“In anticipation of multiple retirements projected for 2024, the service undertook proactive recruitment efforts to ensure that staffing levels remained sufficient,” the release said.

Fewer retirements than forecast

“A number of officers eligible for retirement, however, have continued to serve, resulting in staffing levels -- and associated costs -- exceeding budgetary forecasts.”

There has also been a spike in sick leave costs and a number of major incidents that are costly to address. Those factors combined account for $2,499,000 of the deficit.

In addition, a pay equity review of all positions working for police led to an increase in salaries and retroactive payments of $378,000.

To deal with the shortfall, police have implemented a hiring freeze, curtailed non-essential travel and enhanced cooperation with finance staff at the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

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Police are also looking for new revenue streams and are applying for grants and “external revenue opportunities.”

Efforts are already underway to reduce the 2025 shortfall, police added.