The Belleville Police Service will take over the costs of Workplace Safety and Insurance Board premiums and penalties in 2020 from the city, which the chief says, will add an immediate 2% onto the upcoming operating budget.
Each department pays its annual premiums to the WSIB, but is also charged a penalty based on how many people are off work and how long they are away.
Chief Ron Gignac says naturally the police force submits more claims than other departments, with 15 officers currently off work, but the penalty charges are increased because the WSIB can’t get through the backlog of claims.
He adds that the increase is a “kick in the pants” but says their hands are tied.
Chair Jack Miller noted that regardless of who covers the cost, it has to be paid for by the city’s taxpayers either way.
The city will be covering the WSIB costs for 2019.
