The Windsor Police Services Board and the union representing Windsor police officers are heading to arbitration this weekend.

The association is looking for a contract similar to counterparts across the province. The city is hoping to prove that's something Windsor can't afford.

The head of the police association said his officers face the same dangers as any in other departments and should be paid accordingly despite the city's financial shape.

"As we've seen, there is a lot of spending going on in the city," DeJong said, referencing the new $73-million aquatic centre. "So, I think that from a taxpayer's perspective, they expect and deserve effective policing right?

"Our members deserve to be compensated fairly given their counterparts in the country. We want to maintain our comparability with other police services in the province."

A first-class constable in Windsor is currently paid more than $80,000 a year. In Toronto or Niagara, it's closer to $90,000.

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis said the city will not cut other departments to subsidize policing.

So if the arbitrator sides with the association, Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick says he'll have to get creative because, in the end, it's up to the chief to balance the books.

He said a salary increase will mean tough choices. He may have to re-organize the department or re-assign duties. Whatever juggling he has to do based on an arbitrator's decision, Frederick said public safety comes first.

"I have a line in the sand that I cannot go below in my mind and I will not go below that line," he said.

DeJong called arbitration "a necessary step."

"We want to get things settled so we have some stability," he said. "We are looking forward to this process being completed."

Many Ontario municipalities are struggling with police costs.

Various police forces, government agencies and politicians are meeting at a summit in Ottawa next week to look for solutions.

Tomorrow is the first day of arbitration. The resulting contract for police is expected sometime this spring.