RCMP cuts worry residents
CBC News
Posted: Feb 16, 2012 7:55 AM AT
Last Updated: Feb 16, 2012 1:56 PM AT
Montague has to find a way to cut the budget, says Mayor Richard Collins. (Denis Calnan/CBC)A proposal to cut RCMP coverage in the eastern P.E.I. community of Montague got a hard ride at a public meeting Wednesday night.
About 20 people turned up to discuss the plan, and most spoke out against it.
The current contract the town has with the RCMP costs the municipality $150,000 per year and provides three dedicated officers.
"I don't know why in the world anybody in their right mind would think of reducing the coverage that we have here for the amount of money that it costs us," said local resident Kenny Campbell.
Sandra Stead also felt the town is getting a bargain on policing.
"For us to cut back on service ... I wouldn't even think of the idea," said Stead.
"One hundred and fifty thousand dollars for what we're getting, I am so glad to see Montague is getting this protection."
Montague Mayor Richard Collins said the town is facing financial challenges, and needs to find somewhere to cut.
About 20 people attended the council meeting. (Denis Calnan/CBC)"The Town of Montague sits at $3.1 million in long-term debt," said Collins.
"I go down the street almost every day and people say to me I am not going to buy a house in Montague your taxes are too damn high."
Council will vote Thursday night on what sort of RCMP presence they want in the town.
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