Vancouver Police Board Budget Increase

The Vancouver Police Board has submitted a revised 2024 provisional budget, which includes a $393,000 increase for Board administration and operations. The City Council is considering two options to address this budget change.

• Approve the $393,000 increase, for a total 2024 Vancouver Police Board budget of $442,366,688 in expenditures and $30,266,454 in revenues.

• Approve the $393,000 increase and authorize the Board to reallocate funding within the approved 2024 operating budget to accommodate this increase.

• The Police Act constrains the City's discretion over the policing budget, and the Board may require sufficient capacity to fulfill its governance responsibilities.
• The $393,000 increase was not included in the approved 7.5% property tax increase, and if Option B is adopted, the incremental funding could be managed as a one-time 2024 expense.
• If Council adopts Option B and the Board contests the decision, the matter could be referred to the Director of Police Services for a binding determination.

• The Council will consider the options at the Standing Committee on City Finance and Services meeting on April 24, 2024.
• The Council approved the 2024 operating budget, including the Vancouver Police Department budget, on December 12, 2023.