Surrey Police Board Proposes Significant Budget Increase, Raises Tax Concerns

Post by : Mina Rahman

The Surrey Police Board has proposed a substantial increase of $91 million in its budget, leading to a potential 18% rise in property taxes for residents. Mayor Brenda Locke criticized the plan, calling it “unacceptable.”

“That's simply not feasible. It cannot occur,” Locke stated, underscoring that last year saw a budget increase for policing. The new proposal indicates a 38% increase over last year's budget and exceeds the entire annual outlay for the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.

“All levels of government recognize the economic burdens on our residents, and we cannot present a budget that raises policing costs by 18%,” Locke emphasized.

The city is currently reviewing the preliminary budget submitted by the Surrey Police Board and has asked them to reconsider the numbers. Locke clarified that this budget increase is not linked to the extortion task force funded by the provincial government.

Surrey councillor and mayoral candidate Linda Annis noted that the budget remains in draft form, confirming that the proposed amount is still within the $250 million allocation from the province.

Annis acknowledged the political spotlight on the shift to a municipal police service, yet stated that additional funding should not translate to higher costs for taxpayers. “Once the figures are reviewed, we can make a conclusive decision regarding the budget,” she added.