Budget season is right around the corner, but with the multi-year budget for Guelph police already approved, the service is seeking the green light to move some money around for a major project.
Council approved the 2022 and 2023 police budget last year.
But the service is asking to tack on an additional $1 million to the 2023 capital budget to implement a Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)-mandated "next generation 911 system," done in partnership with the PRIDE Police consortium, Guelph Fire and the city.
A request for purchase was sent out by Waterloo police to vendors, with a closing date tentatively scheduled for December.
"It is anticipated that a successful bidder will be selected in early 2023 following bid evaluations and product demonstrations," the report said.
The program is anticipated to have significant ongoing operating costs, which is expected to be reflected in the 2024 operating budget. The operating costs remain unknown.
That being said, the $1 million ask – while it would increase the capital budget to just over $4.2 million – would not force an increase to the tax levy.
The board report states just over $900,000 would come from the police contingency reserve fund, while another $95,300 would be reallocated from money leftover from a completed telecom equipment project.
It's also possible the project is covered by the province, as they did commit to helping cover the cost, but details are not known yet on the application process or how the $208 million provincial pie will be split up between municipalities.
The next generation 911 system will allow for more information to be provided, such as providing video of a collision or making medical information more accessible for first responders.
"This will lead to safer, faster and more informed emergency responses," the CRTC said on its website.
It added the updates will not impact access to 911.
The item was brought up at Thursday's police board meeting, but board member Jane Armstrong requested it be referred to the finance committee for additional information.
The board approved the request.
The budget confirmation is scheduled to go before council Dec. 7.
Final confirmation is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2023.
