By Dan Jones LJI
Northumberland 89.7 FM
A significant increase to the Cobourg Police Service budget is drawing criticism from the public.
Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf recently proposed a 20.5 percent increase, or approximately $1.6 million more. This would set the 2026 budget at $9.5 million.
Two residents raised concerns at the Cobourg Police Board meeting on Tuesday, seeking to reduce costs in areas such as court, IT, and staffing, which they described as discretionary items.
Yet VandeGraaf defended his budget, saying there is little wiggle room, as the budget has been scrutinized to find savings. He adds the cost of policing is going up.
Originally aired: October 29, 2025
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