Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) council voted to reduce proposed budget cuts to police and fire services on Tuesday. Both departments are now getting a $3.5 million cut each.
The initial budget cut to the police department was proposed to be $5.5 million, in an effort to allow more capacity for HRM’s COVID-19 recovery plan.
For police, this would mean not filling 28 vacant positions, leaving a dent in non-emergency police services. Halifax Regional Police chief Dan Kinsella said last week there would be no effect on public safety.
On May 20, Coun. Tony Mancini said he has concerns about the cut’s impact on second-level calls, like traffic and community communications services.