As the 2024 Sarnia Police Services Budget is developed, city police are sharing some of the challenges they're facing with the public.
Two budget information sessions are being held this month.
Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis said they are different from last year's public town hall meetings which focused on the development of the strategic plan.
"Last year we were building a business plan so we had extensive feedback to build a strategy," said Davis. "We now have that strategy that was built from public feedback, so we have the framework for the next three years moving forward. What we really want to do with these budget sessions is to provide some information and context to the public."
He said it's an opportunity for residents to directly hear the needs and constraints behind the next budget process.
"Really this session is for us and through the board to be available and publicly transparent in how we go through our budgeting process," said Davis. "I'd like to address perhaps some myths around the police budgeting and share some of the issues that we're grappling with for 2024."
The first information session gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 7 at Pat Stapleton Arena. Another information meeting is planned for Tuesday, September 12 at Our Lady of Mercy Church at 6:30 p.m.
Residents can also submit their questions or comments to 2024PoliceBudget@police.sarnia.on.ca.