Vernon puts money aside to cover RCMP raises

Jun 26, 2020 | 5:45 AM

Vernon is ready for the increased cost once the RCMP’s national contract for retroactive pay is finalized.

The projected 2.5 per cent annual increase going back to 2017 will add up to just over one million dollars for the city.

Mayor Victor Cumming says council has allocated $953,996 in unspent funds from last year into a police reserve fund.

“So it will have no impact on people’s tax levels, and it’s already built into the 2020 budget,” Cumming told Vernon Matters.

A city staff report on the issue quoted information from a Union of BC Municipalities update titled RCMP unionization update.

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“While RCMP national headquarters has instructed divisions to project a 2.5 oer cent per year pay increase retroactive to January 1, 2017, the current comparator police universe salaries suggest this annual projected rate is insufficient. As such, local governments that utilize RCMP services are being advised to set aside additional funds in anticipation of higher costs, mos[notably increases to RCMP member remuneration,” said the update.

The increase amounts in Vernon were tabulated at $184,942 in 2017, $353,694 in 2018 and $586,060 in 2019, all less the federal portion at 10 percent.

“The cumulative total for the past three years (net of the federal portion @ 10%) is $1,012,226,” stated the staff report.

by Pete McIntyre

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