Moncton council members unanimously voted against the addition of 15 more RCMP officers in the upcoming year due to insufficient data. The decision was made during an afternoon session while analyzing the city’s extensive 542-page budget, which does not propose any changes to the municipal tax rate.
The Codiac Regional Policing Authority board had previously approved a budget of $66.5 million, including funding for the 15 additional officers. This board oversees the Codiac Regional RCMP, responsible for policing Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview. While Riverview has not officially voted yet, several councillors have indicated they will also oppose the request.
Earlier in the year, all three councils had informed the policing authority that they would not approve further staffing increases until the impact of adding 17 positions this year was clearly demonstrated through data, which is expected to be available next year. Following the presentation of the policing authority budget to Moncton council, the board chair, Don Moore, announced his resignation.
The proposed city budget for Moncton outlines total spending of $376,786,645 and maintains the tax rate at $1.3614 per $100 of assessed value for most areas within the city. The water rate is set to increase, while the wastewater rate remains steady, resulting in an average annual cost of $1,138 per household, a $10 rise from the previous year.
Due to a provincial assessment freeze, the city faced a revenue shortfall of $11 million to $13 million, prompting discussions earlier in the year about a potential tax rate hike. However, the city has received approximately $9 million more in provincial funding, allowing them to maintain the tax rate without any increase. The budget emphasizes continuity of services with the operating budget reaching $236 million, an increase of $12.5 million from the previous year.
Key allocations in the budget include $80 million for staff wages and benefits, with plans to hire 10 additional firefighters for enhanced emergency medical response. The city’s share of the Codiac Regional Policing Authority budget is set at $43 million, reflecting an increase from previous years. The budget was developed assuming no new RCMP officers next year, as per the council’s decision.
The capital budget allocates $92 million, with $17 million designated for downtown facilities, potentially covering projects like a market relocation or a new convention center. Additionally, $3.5 million is set aside for riverfront development, Vision Lands initiatives, and the construction of transitional housing in the community. Plans for a new aquatics center in the north end are also included, with construction anticipated to commence in 2027.
Several proposed budget amendments, such as increased funding for traffic-calming measures, are under consideration by councillors ahead of the final budget vote.