Victoria's Council of the Whole has sent Victoria Police Department back to the drawing board for a second look at their budget request.
Councillors approved a motion to limit any budget increase for VicPd to inflation plus 1%. The department says that will leave them $1.67 Million short of what they need.
The motion also identified a number of areas they do not support increases for, namely executive and support services, and centralized corporate services -- but not including benefits for retired officers.
Council says Chief Constable Del Manak will have maximum flexibility to determine how to allocate any approved funds, and must submit a revised budget prior to final adoption of the 2019 Financial Plan in 3 months.
Chief Del Manak told councillors there are no redunancies, and estimates 9 police and civilian positions would have to be cut, affecting public safety.
Mayor Helps, and CouncillorsYoung and Thornton-Joe voted against the motion.