The City of Dryden now has a clearer picture on how much it will be paying for severance to disband the Dryden Police Service.
Chief Administrative Officer Roger Nesbitt says the initial estimate was $2,025,286.
Nesbitt says using a revised transition rate of roughly 61% of uniformed officers applying for OPP employment, new severance estimates come in at $2,055,264.
He notes a severance package negotiated between the Police Services Board and Dryden Police Association was higher than anticipated.
City staff used a disbandment arbitration settlement for Midland Police Services as a measuring stick.
Nesbitt notes the resignation of the Chief of Police and the termination of the dispatch contract also played a factor.
He stresses the updated costs are still an estimate and could change.
In the meantime, a finalized transitional contract has been provided by the Provincial Police in a switch of service in the City of Dryden.
Costs to make the move to OPP in year one of the minimum three year deal come in at $6,093,736 million. (After that the City will be rolled into the OPP billing model)
That includes $5.37 million in salaries and $723,000 in start-up costs.
It does not include severance and renovations to the existing OPP Detachment on Highway 17.
The latest estimate to upgrade the building is $415,000.
The deal guarantees nearly 26 officers; 22 constables and 3 sergeants.
Six civilian staff will also be employed.
The transition is expected to be completed on February 24.
The contract is expected to be rubber stamped on January 24.
